A captivating event unfolded recently at Longleat Safari Park, where the birth of a critically endangered cotton-top tamarin monkey was caught on camera. This heartwarming moment showcased the mother, known as Maxi, giving birth with the presence of the father, Rico, right by her side.
Maxi, at six years old, and Rico, who is five, are set to co-parent their tiny infant. The mother will take on the primary role of feeding, and the father will be responsible for carrying the newborn.
The infant weighed approximately 40 grams at birth, which is about the mass of a standard egg. Cotton-top tamarins, native to Colombia, South America, are critically endangered, making each birth particularly significant.
Footage from the park's monitoring system highlighted this incredible moment, much to the delight of the staff and visitors. Abbi Wheeler, one of the keeper's at Longleat, noted how they monitor the pair's health and weights regularly.
"We weigh Maxi and Rico weekly as part of our usual checks, and we saw her weight gradually increasing," Wheeler explained. During one of their night checks, Maxi was awake longer than usual, raising alarm bells among the staff.
"When we watched, we saw her make a jumping movement and we saw a baby climbing around her side and clinging straight onto her fur," she continued with excitement. This birth is particularly special as Maxi and Rico are the first tamarin breeding pair at Longleat, contributing critically to the population of this endangered species.
With only around 6,000 of these monkeys left in the wild, their conservation is of utmost importance. Cotton-top tamarins have unique dietary habits, primarily consuming insects, fruits, and plant exudates like gum and sap.
Visitors at Longleat will have the chance to view Maxi, Rico, and their new baby within their enclosure located in the Animal Adventure area. The heartwarming sight of the family together is sure to attract many animal lovers during their visits.
The young tamarin is expected to remain with its parents for about 15 weeks before any separation occurs. The co-parenting model observed here, where both parents have roles to play, is common among tamarins, helping to share food and caregiving duties efficiently.
The moment of birth not only brings joy to the keepers but also highlights the challenges faced by the species. Continuous efforts are necessary to maintain and boost the dwindling numbers of cotton-top tamarins through programs like the European breeding scheme.
Longleat Safari Park plays a pivotal role in this conservation mission, hosting various species, including other endangered animals, and promoting awareness about their plight. The more families who visit and witness these amazing creatures, the greater the potential support for their conservation.
This delightful story underscores the importance of conservation efforts for critically endangered species like the cotton-top tamarin. Each birth is not just another addition to the population but represents hope for the future of this unique primate.
The bond between Maxi and Rico as they welcome their first child showcases the beauty of family among animals. The pregnancy and birth highlight the challenges and rewards of raising endangered species together, offering lessons on teamwork and care.
