The Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoological Society of Wales – is delighted to welcome Roxy the Cotton-top tamarin from Shaldon Wildlife Trust as a companion for current resident Ronnie. This exciting addition marks another step in the Zoo’s ongoing efforts to support the conservation of this critically endangered species.
With only 2000 individuals left in the wild, cotton-top tamarins are amongst the world’s most endangered primates; their future threatened by habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation of this species in managed Zoo settings is therefore absolutely critical in ensuring this species continued survival.
The Zoo owns a rich history of over 20 years in the housing, breeding and care of cotton top tamarins. The most recent resident, Ronnie, is 6 years old and was born at the Welsh Mountain Zoo. This new pairing has been carefully co-ordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Cotton Top Tamarin EEP, which ensures that tamarins are matched for companionship, group dynamics, and where appropriate, breeding programs.
Hannah Slaney, Head of Animals at the Welsh Mountain Zoo explained: “It’s incredibly important that we pair animals in the right way, whether the aim is for breeding, group dynamics or companionship. We work closely with international conservation networks that help guide these decisions. Roxy’s arrival hopefully marks the beginning of a wonderful relationship between Roxy and Ronnie, and one which we hope to see develop in the coming weeks and months.”
Ronnie the Cotton Top Tamarin
Distinguishable by their unique long white crested hair, Cotton-top tamarins live in the forests of North-West Colombia. Ongoing deforestation remains the greatest threat to Cotton-top tamarins with much of their natural habitat being cleared for agriculture and development.
Despite their small size, cotton-top tamarins are incredibly agile and social animals. Weighing less than 500 grams (about the weight of a can of pop), they communicate using an impressive range of vocalisations, including chirps, whistles, and trills. These highly intelligent primates live in tight-knit family groups, where they practice cooperative parenting—males and siblings help care for newborns by carrying them on their backs.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo actively supports conservation efforts in the wild through its partnership with Proyecto Tití, a Colombian-based initiative dedicated to protecting cotton-top tamarins and their habitat. Proyecto Tití combines scientific research, education, and community engagement to safeguard this endangered species, working directly in Colombia to create sustainable solutions for both wildlife and local communities. By housing and caring for cotton-top tamarins such as Roxy and Ronnie, the Welsh Mountain Zoo raises awareness and contributes to the broader mission of ensuring the ongoing survival of their wild counterparts. To learn more about Proyecto Tití and it’s conservation efforts for the Cotton Top Tamarin click the following link – Proyecto Tití: Conserving the Cotton-top Tamarin in Colombia > Home
For more information on Cotton Top Tamarin’s you can visit our fact file a the following link – Cotton Top Tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) – Welsh Mountain Zoo
📸: Photo Credits, ©️Martin Neale and ©️Jayne Williams