Emperor Tamarin
Saguinus imperator subgrisescens
Here at Banham Zoo
Meet the small monkeys with impressive facial hair at Banham Zoo! Our emperor tamarins call our bird garden home and are easily recognisable by their enormous moustaches. These moustaches do more than just look cool they help the tamarins appear much larger than they are, and they use them to display their size when threatened by enemies.
While not endangered, like many Amazonian monkeys, they suffer from habitat loss and logging.
Where Do I Live?
Peru, Brazil and Bolivia
Emperor tamarins are restricted to an area of tropical rainforest along the Amazon river in southeast Peru, north-western Brazil and Bolivia
What Do I Eat?
Fruit forms the main part of their diet, but plant sap and insects are also eaten. As they weigh very little, they can stalk insects discreetly and feed on the outermost twigs and branches.
How Do I Breed?
After a pregnancy of around five months, twins are most commonly born. Males and older offspring will help to rear the young.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Lowest risk of endangerment.
Emperor tamarins are not currently classed as endangered however, as with most Amazon primates, they are threatened by habitat loss.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Emperor Tamarin
located?
Our
Emperor Tamarin
is located in our
Primate Zone
, map reference
13
.
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.
