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Mogo Zoo has proven once again that when it comes to breeding endangered species they have just the right chemistry to get results.
This spring has seen multiple births across three different primate species at the NSW South Coast attraction, including the endangered Pygmy Marmoset, Emperor Tamarin, Golden Lion Tamarins, and the critically endangered Cotton Top Tamarin. Which has left the zoo feeling and looking like a maternity ward.
There have been eight new babies born in the months of September and October alone.
All the new babies are on display and doing well. They can be seen riding on the backs of their mothers as they settle in to life with their respective family units.
So what is the secret to Mogo Zoo’s great success?
Head of Animal Operations Paul Whitehorn said there are a lot of contributing factors.
"These animals need to feel safe and secure, this means as keepers we need to be thinking holistically about their care," he said.
"From dietary requirements, enrichment activities and exhibit construction, these are all are all key elements in encouraging reproduction."
So does love play any part?
“Nearly all tamarins and marmosets live in monogamous relationships and, although animals are matched genetically to ensure viable offspring, there does need to be that something special between potential mating pairs for it all to work,” Mr Whitehorn said.
Mogo Zoo is an active participant in Global Breeding Programs around the world, and earlier this year the zoo constructed four new primate exhibits, specifically designed to interpret
each primate’s natural habitat and to optimise the chance of future breeding success.