Offspring of the pygmy marmosets
Tierpark: New young animal can be seen in the marmoset house
There are new additions to the marmoset house at Chemnitz Zoo: since mid-September, the group of pygmy marmosets has grown by another member and now consists of a total of eleven animals.
The young animals are born weighing around 15 grams, while adult pygmy marmosets weigh around 100 grams. This makes them the smallest representatives of the monkeys. Within the order of primates, they are only undercut by the mouse lemurs, which, however, are classified as prosimians.
Pygmy marmosets are very social animals that can live together in groups of more than ten animals. They are led by a female, who often even tolerates two adult males at her side. The remaining members are usually young animals from previous years. The dominant female is the only one who reproduces. The other members of reproductive age are either actively prevented from mating or are kept infertile by scents (so-called pheromones).
After birth, the offspring immediately cling to their parents' fur and can be carried safely through the branches. Family groups inhabit fixed areas in the lower and middle tree layers of the tropical rainforest of South America. The mother and father, and often other family members, take turns caring for the young. This is also the case at Chemnitz Zoo. Mother Bonnie also gives the young animal to father Fernando and the older siblings, who also live in the group here.
Bonnie and Fernando have already produced several offspring. Successful and coordinated breeding is important, as pygmy marmosets are an endangered species. Chemnitz Zoo has been making an important contribution to the conservation of the species for many years.
Opening hours in September:
Zoo: 9 am to 7 pm, last admission 6 pm
Game enclosure: 8 am to 6 pm, last admission 5 pm