Sweet Sensation: First Lisztaffen Babies at Tierschutz Austria

For the first time in the 180-year history of the Vienna Animal Protection Association, the sponsoring association of Tierschutz Austria, cotton-top tamarins have been born – a sensation and a symbol of a new beginning. "Puppies and kittens are regular companions at the shelter, but cotton-top tamarin babies are something very special," says Stephan Scheidl of Tierschutz Austria.

Offspring among the confiscated cotton-top tamarins at the shelter

Recently, cotton-top tamarin twins were born at the Tierschutz Austria shelter. The mother, who was already pregnant at the time, found a new temporary home along with her partner and other exotic animals, such as snakes, a spurred tortoise, and other animals, due to an official seizure in the Krems district.

The monkeys did not have an easy life, as they were trapped in cages that were far too small. Only thanks to an anonymous tip could the authorities intervene and bring the animals to the animal shelter in Vösendorf for safety – Austria's largest animal shelter, which has the necessary expertise to accommodate and care for exotic animals appropriately. In the case of large official seizures, Tierschutz Austria is often the first point of contact nationwide.

"The babies are doing well and are being carried around by their dad Giovanni," Stephan Scheidl is pleased to report.

Are exotics allowed in private ownership?

According to current law, it is allowed in Austria to keep small clawed monkeys – such as cotton-top tamarins – privately. However, these animals are often bred, sometimes illegally, by more or less reputable breeders. Although there is a legal obligation for individuals who acquire such animals to report them within 14 days of acquisition, monitoring this is challenging.

Therefore, Scheidl from Tierschutz Austria wishes for stricter legal regulations. "In addition to a mandatory ownership report by animal owners, breeders and pet shops should also be required to report sales. This would create the necessary transparency so that animals can no longer simply disappear," says Scheidl. The association also calls for a mandatory certificate of competence for the keeping of wild animals in all federal states – as a measure against the increasing number of official seizures. Additionally, the organization demands a mandatory certificate of competence for the keeping of wild animals with special requirements in all federal states – as a measure against the increasing number of official seizures.

People who want more information about such animals can visit the animal shelter in Vösendorf by appointment, accompanied by experienced animal caretakers. More information is available at https://tierschutz-austria.at. The long-term goal is to find a good, safe, and beautiful home for the monkeys again.

(Red)

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