Folly Farm welcome breeding pair of critically endangered cotton-top tamarins!

Folly Farm welcome breeding pair of critically endangered cotton-top tamarins!

Pembrokeshire’s Folly Farm has introduced its adorable new zoo arrivals. ‘Raymond’ and ‘Raquel’ are a new breeding pair of cotton-top tamarins – and despite their adorable appearance, they are in fact, more crucially, classed as a critically endangered species.

Five year old male, 'Ray', joined the zoo from Shaldon Wildlife Trust in Devon and four year old female 'Raquel' joined from Cotswold Wildlife Park. Keepers are hopeful that they'll become a breeding pair - with the move recommended by the studbook keeper for the species, as part of the European Breeding Programme. The adorable duo settled in straight away and are reported to be very comfortable with each other after arriving just a fortnight ago. They’ve already been spotted grooming each other's fur - a clear sign of trust and affection!

One of the world's smallest primates, cotton-top tamarins are easily recognisable from their long crest of fluffy white hair on top of their heads and towards their shoulders. They're a critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - with just 2,000 adults left in the wild and they can be found in just 5% of their original habitat in the tropical forests of northwest Columbia. The reason for such a shockingly low number is primarily down to habitat destruction through forest clearing, as well as the illegal pet trade and being captured for scientific research.

Keeper Kim Cartwright commented; "We're so excited to welcome Ray and Raquel to our zoo family. They're an adorable addition but more importantly, being such a rare species in the wild, it's an opportunity to educate our guests about these animals and the plights they face. They're settling in really well so far and are so much fun to watch because they’re so active. We hope they become a breeding pair and we can one day welcome the pitter patter of tiny primate infants - which will be excellent news for the critically endangered species, as well as exciting for us and our visitors!”

The cotton-top tamarins have joined the likes of the award-winning Pembrokeshire zoo’s African dwarf crocodiles, amphibians, fish, reptiles, fruit bats and sloths in its Tropical Trails enclosure. Keepers have created a habitat for the new arrivals with plenty of climbing areas as well as nest-boxes and shaded sections for privacy. There will also be an outdoor area for them soon in stage two of this new development. Ray is reported to be the more confident and inquisitive of the pair- whilst Raquel prefers to observe. They enjoy a diet of greens, root veg and insects - with sweet potato a clear favourite!

Guests can see Ray and Raquel in Tropical Trails this half term.