Miniature monkey moved out of Leeds zoo as part of bid to save species
One of the pymgy marmosets living at Tropical World has been moved to another zoo - where he's been paired up with a new partner
A miniature monkey has moved away from a Leeds zoo after being matched up with a new partner in a bid to safeguard the species.
One of the tiny pygmy marmosets, formerly living at Tropical World in Roundhay, is now settling into a new home at Drayton Manor Zoo near Tamworth.
The male has been matched with a female under the European Endangered Species Programme with the aim of producing children to help keep the future of the mammals secure.
The pygmy marmoset is the world’s smallest type of monkey weighing just 100g. Native to South America, they are considered a threatened species because the loss of habitat and through their popularity as pets in parts of the world.
Five males have lived at Tropical World since 2023.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:
“Tropical World works to protect vulnerable species and habitats, both locally and across the world.
“The conservation work the staff do is so important, and we look forward to hearing the results of the breeding programme.”