There’s a lot of monkey business going on at Adelaide Zoo today as we roll out the red carpet for some very regal new arrivals, three Emperor Tamarins!
The sisters arrived at Adelaide Zoo on 11 February 2016 from Mogo Zoo in New South Wales and have spent the last month in quarantine preparing for their public debut on exhibit.
Twins Una and Bo who are nearly two-years-old and one-year-old little sister Juanita will take up residence in their new home at Tamarin House this morning.
Arguably one of the most distinctive monkeys in the world, the Emperor Tamarin is a small primate known for its characteristic long white moustache.
The species gained its name from this moustache, which is thought to bear a resemblance to the moustache of Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany!
Adelaide Zoo Senior Primate Keeper Jodie Ellen said the charismatic trio are settling in well and enjoying exploring their new environment.
“These little girls have so much character and are very friendly and sweet,” Jodie said.
“They’re very playful so it will be great to see them explore their new environment.
“Emperor Tamarins are one of the most unique looking monkeys. I think they’ll be a huge hit with visitors.”
Emperor Tamarins are native to the tree canopies of lowland tropical rainforests in remote areas of the south-western Amazon region of South America.
These pocket-sized primates normally weigh no more than 500 grams and have a speckled brown body with an orange tail.
Male and female Emperor Tamarins are very similar in appearance, while juveniles are smaller and have shorter moustaches.
Wild populations of this amazing species are sadly dwindling due to habitat destruction from logging and the illegal pet trade.
