Black Tailed Marmosets Born!

The HCC is delighted to announce the arrival of two healthy Black Tailed Marmosets. The HCC is already home to a family group of 5 marmosets and these two are a welcome arrival!

Black-tailed marmosets, native to the lush rainforests of South America, are captivating creatures known for their diminutive size and striking features. They live in close-knit family groups, exhibiting a high level of social cooperation and communication through various vocalisations and body language.

In their natural habitat, black-tailed marmosets face several threats that jeopardise their survival. Habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture and urbanisation is a significant concern, fragmenting their forest homes and reducing their available resources. Additionally, they are vulnerable to illegal wildlife trade for the exotic pet market, despite protective measures in place. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by altering their forest ecosystems and affecting food availability.

Despite their ecological importance and unique characteristics, black-tailed marmosets are underrepresented in zoos and conservation programmes. This under representation limits opportunities for public awareness and engagement in their conservation. Moreover, challenges in breeding and maintaining healthy populations in captivity pose additional hurdles. Efforts to increase their presence in zoos are crucial not only for research and education but also for ensuring the long-term survival of these enchanting primates. The HCC is proud to be leading this effort.