Chester Zoo Celebrates Birth of Rare Monkey Twins

Chester Zoo has welcomed the birth of two critically-endangered cotton-top tamarin twins, each weighing just 40 grams and measuring 10 centimeters long. The twins, comparable in size to golf balls, are a significant addition to the species, which is known for its distinctive white fur resembling a cotton ball. Mike Jordan, the zoo's animal and plant director, emphasized the importance of their arrival, highlighting the rarity of these monkeys. The exact sex of the twins remains undetermined as they are still too small to assess. However, zoo staff anticipate that in a few months, as the young monkeys gain confidence and begin to explore their environment, their genders will become clear. Cotton-top tamarins are known for their complex communication, utilizing a range of facial expressions and over 38 vocalizations to interact with one another and alert their group to potential dangers. Chester Zoo is actively involved in a Europe-wide conservation effort aimed at preventing the extinction of cotton-top tamarins, which face severe threats from habitat loss and illegal pet trade. In their native Colombia, only 5% of their original habitat remains due to extensive logging for agriculture and timber. As a result, the species is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of just 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild, making them one of the rarest primate species globally.