In the South American monkey house the pair of cotton-top tamarins is rearing twins. They were born in early September 2011 and are now getting to the stage of sometimes venturing from the parents. For the first week or so it was mum you might have seen carrying the babies, but by now it is just as likely to be dad with the babies on his back – he has to do his share of parental care! In another four or five weeks they’ll be too heavy to carry and will be much more independent.

The cotton-top tamarin is critically endangered due to deforestation in its last remaining habitat in a small area of north west Colombia in South America. Fortunately there is a healthy population in zoos and ours are part of the co-ordinated European breeding programme.

There are also new babies in the Reptile House. The royal or ball python from Central and West Africa is a species we have never bred before, but in the middle of September 2011 four babies successfully hatched after eight weeks incubation. (Please note at present they are currently not on display.)

The royal python is not endangered in the wild, but it is always good to breed a new species and is useful experience for our keepers. Our planned new tropical house will have facilities for a number of species and some may be part of co-ordinated breeding programmes. Breeding non-endangered species is an important part of preparation and training for working with conservation sensitive species.

Born on Friday 24th June at 6:15pm Delilah was up on her feet and raring to go only two hours later, much to the delight of her Keeper who had been eagerly awaiting her arrival.

Keepers at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – the National Zoo of Wales sought inspiration from the Tom Jones song – the unofficial anthem of Welsh Rugby fans, to finally decide on her name.

The playful youngster has already started to venture outside along with the help of Mum and is set to score a try with Zoo visitors as she explores her enclosure.

Mum and Dad Flanka and Lock named in the aftermath of the Rugby World Cup 2003 – both aged 12 – arrived at the Zoo in 2000 from Whipsnade Zoo and have settled into their role well as the experienced parents have now successfully raised 3 calves.

Weighing a whopping 25 kilos and measuring just under one and a half metres (5 foot) at birth Delilah is already growing at a rapid pace. She will eventually grow to be 2.4 metres (7 feet) and will weigh over ¾ of a tonne.

Camels Keeper Claire Taylor said,
“I am delighted with the arrival of Delilah. It’s been three years since Flanka gave birth so when I found out she was pregnant I was overjoyed. Delilah is doing really well, not only is she growing extremely fast but her confidence is also coming on in leaps and bounds. She didn’t have any problems getting on her feet after she was born and was able to feed from Mum without assistance. She also loves the attention she has been receiving from the visitors and even appears to smile when they take her picture! I am really proud of her progress so far and can’t wait to watch her develop further.”