A couple of cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), which live at Terra Natura Benidorm, have been parents for the first time with the birth of two twin babies. The mother was born here six years ago and the father arrived from Basel Zoo (Switzerland) in March to try to form a breeding pair of this species, whose conservation is seriously threatened.

This is a critically endangered species, which is part of the EEP (European Endangered Species Programme) and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums). The main threats to the conservation of this species are the massive logging of its forest habitat and the pressure on its population due to the illegal trade in protected animals.

Our veterinary team has not been able to determine the sex of both babies, as no contact has been made yet in order to avoid stress or rejection from the parents. However, they have undergone a visual check-up and are being closely monitored to control and ensure that lactation is going properly.

The new parents are responsible for the care of the babies. From the very first moment, in fact, they have been groomed, fed and carried properly. The mother, named Aramís, has completed a gestation period of almost five months before giving birth.

Although in the first days of life, the babies are carried by the mother, soon the father takes turns in the routine of carrying them. This behaviour is due to the fact that in this species it is common the birth of more than one baby and they weigh between 15-20% of the mother’s weight, which makes it difficult for the female to carry both at the same time.

The male is also responsible for bringing the young closer to the mother so that they suckle often. Unlike other species, male cotton-top tamarins are more attentive to the care of the young than the females themselves, making it a unique relationship. The life expectancy of this animal is around 23 years.