Two pygmy marmosets, the world’s smallest monkey species, have been born at Antwerp Zoo.
Mum Una actually gave birth to triplets, but one did not survive. The zoo reassured visitors that the remaining two infants are doing well.
“One indication of a healthy pygmy marmoset is a curled tail,” a zookeeper explained. Conversely, “if it hangs limply, it can suggest the youngster has not yet nursed. Fortunately, our two little ones currently sport nicely curled mini-tails.”
Parents Una and Vigo are attentive to their offspring, who will stay with them for the coming months. When they’ve built up enough strength, the young primates will be ready to start independent living.
Pygmy marmosets (Cebuella Pygmaea), are the world’s smallest monkeys. As adults, they reach just 20 centimetres from head to tail and weigh only around 140 grams.
The monkeys originate from the tropical forests of South America, where their natural habitat is under threat from deforestation.
