Critically endangered cotton-top tamarins born at Edinburgh Zoo

Two critically endangered cotton-top tamarins have been born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to mum Elf and dad Zecca on Tuesday 20 May. Keepers at the wildlife conservation charity have named the tiny newborn monkeys Sol and Salento.

Lorna Hughes, primate team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said “It is incredibly exciting to welcome another pair of cotton-top tamarin twins, Sol and Salento. Unfortunately, the species is one of the most endangered primates in the world due to extensive habitat loss, so this year’s new additions are really special.  

“Both Elf and Zecca will take turns caring for the youngsters, carrying them on their back for the first few months of their lives before they become more independent at around five months old.”

Weighing just 40g at birth and measuring only 10cm from their heads to the tips of their tails, cotton-top tamarins are some of the smallest primates at the zoo. Their name comes from the tuft of white fur that runs from their forehead to their shoulders. Sadly, their distinctive appearance has led to a major population decline as they are targeted by the illegal wildlife trade to be sold as pets.

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