Cotton-Topped Tamarin Twins Born At Cape May County Zoo

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — The Cape May County Zoo is celebrating the start of the summer season with the birth of two small primates.

The Cotton-topped Tamarin twins were born to mother Cordelia and father Tam Tam on May 13.

This is the second birth for the pair after they gave birth to a female last August.

“We have not determined the gender of the twins, but they can be seen with Mom and Dad and sometimes big sister, Kida, carrying them around every day at the Cotton-Topped Tamarin habitat,” reported Dr. Alex Ernst, associate veterinarian at the Zoo.

The Cotton-Topped Tamarin is a small New World primate weighing just over one pound.

They are considered critically endangered with their population decreasing annually. Deforestation and human activity pose the most significant threat to the survival of the species.

They are omnivorous and eat mostly insects and fruit. They are found in Northwestern Columbia and South America.

“We always look forward to announcing new species to our Zoo and encourage residents and visitors to explore all we have to offer. We are especially proud of the work of the Zoo Veterinarians and the staff in overseeing the breeding of the Cotton-Topped Tamarins who are included in Species Survival Plan (SSP) a worldwide conservation effort,” said Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the Cape May County Parks and Zoo.

Zoo hours are 10 a.m. until 4:30 pm and parks are open from 7 a.m. until dusk. The Zoo is free and donations are welcome.

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