Cotton-top Tamarin
Saguinus oedipus
Here at Banham Zoo
At Banham Zoo, we're proud to be home to two Cotton-Top Tamarins. This couple can often be found exploring their habitat, leaping from tree to tree in search of fruit and perhaps the occasional insect!
The pair we have are particularly special, as they are part of the European conservation breeding programme here at Banham Zoo and have bred successfully many times. Despite these efforts, Cotton-Top Tamarins are severely threatened in the wild due to habitat loss from settlement expansion and agriculture.
Where Do I Live?
Colombia
These tamarins are found in areas of both humid and dry forest in northwest Colombia.
What Do I Eat?
Fruit forms the main part of their diet and insects are also eaten. They use every level of the rainforest, even descending to the ground to hunt grasshoppers!
How Do I Breed?
Cotton-top tamarins live in extended family groups of up to forty animals. After a pregnancy of five months, twins are most commonly born.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Critically Endangered (CR)
Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Cotton-top tamarins are seriously threatened in the wild, due to the loss of their forest habitat through clearance for settlements and agriculture.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Cotton-top Tamarin
located?
Our
Cotton-top Tamarin
is located in our
Primate Zone
, map reference
10
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
