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Summary of Description:
Two pygmy marmosets were born to a first-time mom named Teek on November 14. They bonded with their mother before making their public debut on January 5 in the rainforest canopy inside the Natural Encounters building.
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Good news, times two! Pygmy marmosets born at the zoo
The birth of new animals at a zoo always brings joy and excitement to staff and visitors. And the recent delivery of two pygmy marmosets has done just that. These tiny primates, no bigger than a finger, were born on November 14 to a first-time mom, seven-year-old Teek. The babies spent quality bonding time with their mom behind the scenes before making their public debut on January 5.
About pygmy marmosets
They can fit in the palm of your hand and weigh about as much as a packet of M&Ms. These tiny creatures are native to South America and are known for their chirping sounds and small size. Pygmy marmosets, also known as pocket monkeys, are the smallest primates in the world. They are very active and social creatures that often live in groups of up to nine individuals in the wild.
The birth of Teek’s babies
The birth of Teek’s babies was a happy surprise for the zoo staff. These pygmy marmosets are not easy to breed in captivity, and their gestation period is just 145 days. The babies were born approximately 20-22 days apart and were both males. Due to their small size, the babies were not weighed, but they are estimated to be less than an ounce each.
Bonding time
After the birth of the babies, the zoo staff gave Teek time to bond with her offspring in a private enclosure. During this time, the zoo keepers closely monitored the babies to ensure they were healthy and receiving proper care from their mothers. This bonding time is crucial for the survival of the babies in the wild. Pygmy marmosets are known to have a strong bond with their parents and rely on them for protection, grooming, and food.
Public debut
On January 5, the babies were ready to make their official debut. The babies were introduced to a new exhibit in the rainforest canopy inside the Natural Encounters building. Visitors can now see them clinging to branches and playing with each other. The zoo kept them behind the scenes until they were old enough to venture independently.
Conservation efforts
Pygmy marmosets are classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because they have such a wide distribution, and their numbers are currently stable. However, deforestation in South America is a major threat to their population. The zoo’s pygmy marmosets are part of a species survival plan, which helps ensure the species’ survival through breeding programs.
Final thoughts
The birth of Teek’s babies is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the zoo staff in their efforts to maintain healthy and sustainable populations of these unique animals. Visitors to the zoo can now witness the joy and excitement of these tiny primates as they continue to grow and thrive in their new exhibit. It reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our planet’s ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts to protect them.
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Source Description
Good news, times two! On November 14, two pygmy marmosets were born to seven-year-old, Teek, a first-time mom. They spent time bonding behind the scenes with Mom before officially debuting last Tuesday, January 5, in the rainforest canopy inside our Natural Encounters building.
