Spring Tamarin Offspring at Vienna's House of the Sea

In the Aqua Terra Zoo in the Vienna House of the Sea, a Goeldi's marmoset (Callimico goeldii) was born in December. "The birth of a young animal is a significant moment - both for species conservation and for the social dynamics within the group," emphasized the newly appointed director Jeff Schreiner on Thursday in a press release.

Goeldi's Marmoset Offspring: Only One Female Reproduces

The Callimico goeldii, named after the Swiss zoologist Emil August Goeldi, belong to the family of South American claw monkeys and are among the smallest monkey species in the world. "Characteristic of these primates are their name-giving claws. Most monkeys, like us humans, have flat nails," it was said. Goeldi's marmosets are now only found in isolated areas of the Amazon basin. In zoos, they are therefore exclusively maintained as part of specialized conservation breeding programs to ensure the survival of the species. "As a rule, only one female in the group reproduces and gives birth to a single young animal. Nevertheless, the other animals also actively participate in the care - be it through protection, carrying around, or feeding. This strengthens the social bonds and presents the group with exciting, new challenges," said Schreiner. The young animal is still clinging to its mother's fur, according to the House of the Sea, but will soon be curiously exploring its surroundings. As soon as the sex is determined, "the animal care team will give their new protege a suitable name".

(APA/Red)

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