Baby fever at Newquay Zoo as cotton-top tamarins are born
They're a critically endangered primate species
Last updated 1st May 2025
Two baby cotton top tamarins have been born at Newquay Zoo.
The palm-sized primates, which weigh about the same as a chicken egg when they're born, are now about 4 weeks old - and their species is critically endangered in the wild.
The animal's name comes from the fluffy white hair on their heads - which stands on end when they get excited.
Parents Febe and Santiago are sharing the duties, often seen each carrying one of the twins and attentively caring for their new arrivals.
In fact, this is exactly what they do in their natural habitat, in the tropical forests of north-west Colombia, as cotton-top tamarins live in tightly bonded social groups.
This behaviour, known as cooperative care, involves multiple group members contributing to the rearing of offspring.
Maternal behaviours in tamarins are not solely instinctive—they are learned through observation and experience within the group.
They're among the world’s most endangered primates.
With over 80% of their habitat lost to deforestation and ongoing threats from the illegal wildlife trade, their wild population is now estimated at fewer than 2,000 individuals.
They are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, and breeding programmes in accredited zoos like Newquay Zoo are vital to ensuring their survival.
Senior Animal Keeper Emma Sweetland expressed her excitement: “It’s incredibly special to see Febe and Santiago co-parenting so naturally.
"Their attentiveness is heartwarming, and these births are a significant milestone for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
"These twins are not just adorable additions to our zoo family; they represent a vital step forward in the fight against species extinction.”
These cotton-top tamarins are just one of three tamarin species at Newquay Zoo.
The zoo is also home to striking golden lion tamarins, a species once on the brink of extinction but now recovering thanks to international breeding programmes and careful species management, and pied tamarins, which - like cotton-tops - are listed as critically endangered and urgently need protection.