The #1 source for news about monkeys and apes

[carrie mclaren <brooklynite282 AT gmail.com>]

Video: A tiny tamarin monkey joins Zoo Boise family
Idaho Statesman
Published: 12/23/09

http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/1019022.html

Q: What is a cotton-top tamarin?

A: An endangered primate found in South America; fully grown, it's about the
size of a squirrel.

Q: When was she born?

A: Nov. 6, but since her mother was raised in captivity, she never learned
how to take care of a baby. Zoo staff has been taking care of the newborn
around the clock, with the help of a gibbon doll stuffed with a handwarmer.

"This was not a planned birth," said Lindsay Ruffner, primate/penguin
keeper. "We were all very surprised."

It's really hard to tell if a small primate is pregnant. And the baby's mom
had a birth control implant, Ruffner said.

Q: What is she eating?

A: Human baby formula and baby food. She prefers fruit but will have to
learn to eat her vegetables, said Zoo Boise veterinarian Amanda Guthrie.

Q: What's her life expectancy?

A: Between 12 and 18 years in captivity. Whether she stays in Boise will
depend on how well she gets along with her parents.

Q: When can the public see her?

A: Not until she's bigger and more independent; but meanwhile, zoo staff
will post videos on Facebook, said spokeswoman Liz Littman. A naming contest
is planned next year.