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Marwell Zoo celebrates twin birth of endangered monkey species

Marwell Zoological Park, nr Winchester, is delighted to announce the birth of twin Golden Lion Tamarins. With an estimated population of only around 1000 left in the wild, Golden Lion Tamarins are one of the most endangered monkey species in the world.

Born as part of an important breeding programme to increase the European population of Golden Lion Tamarins, the twins increases Marwell's family group to nine. The babies are yet to be sexed.

During the 1970s the Golden Lion Tamarins future looked uncertain. It was generally believed that as few as 200 Tamarins remained in the wild. Recent conservation work, including re-introducing captive born Tamarins and the successful re-location of existing wild populations, has resulted in the significant increase in the wild population.

Today, the greatest threat to the animals is destruction of their natural habitat in Brazil. Conservation efforts are addressing this problem with effective management of the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve and a new protected area, the União Biological Reserve.

David Schofield, Head keeper and section manager for the Tamarins said:

"The twins are an important addition to the world's population of these endangered monkeys, helping to safeguard their continued survival."

The Marwell twins, along with their mum are doing extremely well. They can be seen out and about with the rest of the family in their brand new walk through enclosure in the zoo's recently opened Encounter Village.

Marwell Zoological Park has been involved in helping increase numbers in the wild. Between 1989 and 1995, six genetically important Marwell bred Tamarins were released back to their native home of the subtropical forests in Brazil.

For more information about Marwell Zoological Park please visit www.marwell.org.uk

Notes to editors

Golden Lion Tamarin Close Up image please credit Marwell Photogaphic Group / Paul Dawson-Plincke

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

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

Golden Lion Tamarins are relatively small, growing to around 40cm in length, their tails also grow to a similar length. As the name suggests, Golden Lion Tamarins are very colourful primates. They are reddish orange and brown in colour.

Golden Lion Tamarins live in small family units of up to ten family members. Native to Brazil, most of the wild population lives in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve.

Marwell Zoological Park was founded in 1972. The Park is owned and operated by Marwell Preservation Trust: a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity. Registered Charity Number 275433.

Marwell Zoological Park is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources and works to conserve species and their habitats, whilst advocating environmental and social responsibility in support of these goals.

Marwell Conservation seeks to address causes of extinction and manages vulnerable populations of threatened species to ensure their survival. This is achieved through a range of species and habitat conservation programmes locally to Marwell's base in southern England and internationally, with a particular focus in Africa.

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.

Marwell Zoological Park, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH. www.marwell.org.uk

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.

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