Two pygmy marmosets born in Antwerp Zoo
A pair of pygmy marmosets have been born at Antwerp Zoo. Currently listed as a threatened species, the monkeys are the smallest in the world.
The mother, Una, gave birth to three young but one did not survive. The two remaining young are doing well, according to the zoo, and they say their parents are taking good care of them.
“When a pygmy marmoset's tail is curled, this is a good sign,” said zookeeper Pearl. “If it hangs limp, this may indicate that the young one is not yet drinking milk from the mother. Fortunately, both young ones have a beautifully curled mini tail."
Pygmy marmosets grow on average to only 20cm in length, including their tail, and weigh just 140g. The young have a birth weight of 10-15g. The babies will remain attached to their parents for the coming months to gain strength before they start to live more independently.
The pygmy marmoset lives in the wild in the South American rainforest, where it is threatened by forest clearing that destroys its habitat.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO HAND OUT ZOO ANTWERPEN - VINCENT CALLOT
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