Shaldon Wildlife Trust celebrates birth of rare Amazonian Primate twins
Shaldon Wildlife Trust is celebrating the birth of two rare Pied Tamarin twins, a significant achievement for the captive breeding programme at the small local zoo.
A small, local zoo is celebrating after the birth of two rare Amazonian Primate twins.
On September 29, a pair of critically endangered Pied Tamarin twins were born to mother Bobby and father Pedra at Shaldon Wildlife Trust.
This birth marks a significant achievement for the captive breeding programme, as the species is renowned for being particularly delicate and challenging to maintain in captivity.
Pied tamarins require highly specialised care and a carefully managed, stress-free environment.
This birth is a particular achievement with Shaldon Wildlife Trust being one of only two European Associates of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) institutions to successfully breed pied tamarins this year.
The keepers kept the exciting news quiet for the first few weeks, giving the delicate family the peace and quiet they need.
However, the twins have now passed their most critical milestone and are thriving and starting to hitch rides on their parents’ backs as they explore their habitat.
Pied tamarins are among the most endangered primates in South America, found exclusively to a small part of the rainforest around Manaus, Brazil.
Shaldon Wildlife Trust aims to support the long-term survival of pied tamarins in their natural habitat and actively funds frontline conservationist Diogo Lagroteria and Projeto Sauim-de-Coleira in the Amazon.
Zak Showell, Director at Shaldon Wildlife Trust, said: "Pied tamarins are exceptionally delicate animals, and breeding them successfully is a challenge.”
“For a zoo of our size to achieve this and to be one of just two European zoos to manage it this year is an unbelievable proud moment for our small team.”
“It has been an incredible year for births here at Shaldon, but these twins are extra special.”
“Not only are we safeguarding a vital captive safety-net population, but our visitors are directly helping us fund Diogo Lagroteria and Projeto Sauim-de-Coleira on the ground in Brazil.”
Visitors to Shaldon Wildlife Trust can now observe the new family as the primate twins explore their habitat.