Marwell Zoo Hampshire welcomes cotton-headed tamarin triplets

The infants of the critically endangered species were born to first-time parents, Gurt and Mico on Saturday, May 6, and keepers say they are doing well.

The arrivals are incredibly rare, not only because there are three of them, but because of their conservation status.

It is normal for cotton-headed tamarins to give birth to twins every year in the wild, but triplets like these are very uncommon.

It is believed that there are currently fewer than 2,000 cotton-headed tamarins left in the wild, and numbers continue to decrease.

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Amy Denny, Primates and Small Mammals Team Leader at Marwell Zoo, said: "The primate and small mammals team at Marwell are absolutely thrilled with the birth of our cotton-headed tamarin triplets who were born overnight."

"Their arrival has been long anticipated by the team who moved the breeding pair into their brand new habitat just before the Easter holidays."

She added: "Cotton-headed tamarins are one of the world’s most endangered primates, suffering from the effects of habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade in their native tropical forests of Colombia.

"In European collections, cotton-headed tamarins are cooperatively managed by the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria)  EEP (European Endangered Species Programme), ensuring genetic diversity is maintained to build healthy populations for the future."

She continued: "Females typically give birth to twins so after keepers counted two on mum at first check Sunday morning we were ecstatic to spot a third baby clinging onto dad.

"We have closely monitored them to ensure all is well and all three babies are being cared for wonderfully by the first-time parents."

"Cotton-headed tamarins will cooperatively care for their offspring with all group members helping out and taking turns to carry the infants."

"With only two adults in this troop, the parents certainly have their work cut out for them but are doing a brilliant job."

The animals get their name from the distinctive tufts of cotton-like white hair on their heads.

Due to their small size, cotton-headed tamarins are often prey for snakes, cats and a variety of birds of prey.

In the wild, they are native to and found only in north-western Columbia, living in forests.

During the next few months, the triplets will gradually gain independence and will be cared for and carried by both parents.

They are likely to become fully independent when they are about five months old and can expect to live to around 25 years of age.