(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Blank Park Zoo has welcomed a breeding pair of critically-endangered cotton-top tamarins. The animals have white hair that stands straight out around the head.
The tamarins, named Kida and Eddie, are a breeding pair within the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Zoo officials hope to see babies in the future. Visitors can see them inside the Blank Park Zoo's Myron and Jackie Blank Discovery Center. Zoo keepers describe the tamarins as curious and playful.
It's estimated that only 2,000 mature tamarins remain in their native habitat in Colombia.
“Deforestation has been a major cause in their decline. We hope that guests will learn steps they can take in Iowa to reduce the demand for products that cause deforestation,” said Jay Tetzloff, chief animal officer.