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Rare tamarin birth a double success for Marwell Zoo

Rare tamarin birth a double success for Marwell Zoo

Monkey species on verge of extinction receives a vital boost -Marwell Zoo celebrates with special Mother's Day Adoption Package

Marwell Zoological Park, nr Winchester, is delighted at the recent birth of rare Cotton-top Tamarin twins, one of the most endangered monkey species in the world.

Cotton-tops are facing extinction from their native home in Columbia as many were taken during the 1960s and 70s for use in biomedical research. Today, their greatest threat is destruction of their natural habitat, as well as live capture for the pet trade. Sadly, the illegal trade continues despite international laws condemning such activity. It is believed that there are more Cotton-tops in captivity than in the wild - less than 2000 remain in their natural environment today.

The twins, which zoo keepers have called Zambrono and Tolü (named after places near the Los Coloradus Sanctuary in Columbia), and their mum are doing well. The Cotton-tops live in a small family group and although the twins are currently being nursed and lovingly cared for by their mum, Magdalena, dad is keen to pull his weight and also shares the baby responsibilities. Both parents keep one of the twins with them at all times by the usual mode of travel for any baby monkey - their backs of course!

Shelly Parkes, Head Keeper and section manager for the Cotton-tops said:

"We are extremely proud that over 50 Cotton-tops have been born at Marwell. Magdalena and her partner Cauca are particularly successful - the latest arrivals are their fourth set of twins. We are all really pleased that the twins are healthy, and hopefully will one day also contribute to our successful breeding programme to safeguard the continued survival of these fascinating little monkeys."

To recognize the twin's mum devotion to her babies, Marwell has put a special Cotton-top Tamarin Adoption Package together for Mother's Day. The package costs £35 and includes a year's adoption, welcome letter, certificate with a picture of a Cotton-top Tamarin and a fact sheet containing lots of interesting facts about tamarins. The lucky mum's name will also be displayed on a plaque outside the enclosure for everyone to see. The adoption also includes an admission ticket to Marwell - to use at any time during 2007.

Magdalena, along with any of Marwell's mums can also be adopted online. Simply go to www.marwell.org.uk and follow the links to the animal adoptions. Alternatively phone 01962 777988 for an application form - please note there is no limit as to how many people can adopt the pair.

The closing date is Wednesday 14th March for delivery in time for Mother's Day.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

Photo Caption: Marwell latest baby, Zambrano, out and about

For further media information please contact Helen Jeffreys, Marwell Zoological Park Media Relations Officer. Email: helenj@marwell.org.uk Phone: 01962 777947

Cotton-top Tamarins are officially classified as endangered as according to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora),

Cotton-top Tamarins are relatively small, being the size of a squirrel. Cotton-tops are very colourful primates: their faces are black with mottled grey brown shoulders, back and behinds whilst stomach and limbs are white. They are named after the fan of white fur on their head.

Cotton-top Tamarins live in an extremely small area of Columbia, they are found in the north-west region of the country only between the Atrato River and the Magdalena River.

Marwell Zoological Park is owned and operated by Marwell Preservation Trust: a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity. Registered Charity Number 275433.

Marwell is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.

Helen Jeffreys
PR & Media Relations Officer
Marwell Zoological Park
Email: helenj@marwell.org.uk
Direct Line: 01962 777947
Mobile: 07825 094570
Marwell is a member of BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.