Boise, ID
High 54 | Low 30
Currently: 47°
Sat
60|36
Sun
64|41
Mon
55|33

Video: A tiny tamarin monkey joins Zoo Boise family

 - Idaho Statesman

Published: 12/23/09


Bookmark and Share
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
print story email story to a friend

Email Story

close
Email Story
Comments (0) |

Previous Image Story 1/2 Next Image Story

 

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.

Bethann Stewart: 377-6393

OPTIONS: Most Read Stories  |  Story Comments  |  Email Story  |  Print story
hide comments

Story Comments
We welcome comments but ask that you remain on topic. Some comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. Comments that are profane, personal attacks or otherwise inappropriate or are off topic are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Do not flag comments merely because you disagree with the comment.

more about comments here.
Local Deals
Find a Job
Keywords:
Location: