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Endangered twin monkeys born at Marwell Zoo

A pair of critically endangered cotton-top tamarin monkeys have successfully given birth to twins at Marwell Zoo.

It is too early to determine whether the babies are male or female but they will be examined closely once they have had time to bond with their Mum, Inca and Dad, Roca.

The cotton-top tamarin species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and it is believed the reduction in population is due to destruction of habitat.

At just over one-week-old the little monkeys are seen clinging onto their dad. Credit: MarwellZoo

Claire Mound, senior keeper for Marwell Zoo’s primates, said:

Inca and Roca are first-time parents and they are doing a fantastic job for caring for the twins. Dad takes on most of the carrying duties and Mum takes over to feed them. Over the next few weeks the babies will begin to develop and take notice of their surroundings. Normally between 2-5 weeks old they will become mobile and start venturing off of mum and dad.

We will expect to see them trying solid food from around a month old but they will not be fully weaned until approximately 4-6 months old. Cotton tops are generally a bold species so we are looking forward to the babies becoming more independent and causing trouble.

– Claire Mound