Como Zoo Welcomes New Baby Emperor Tamarin Twins

Media Release
February 3, 2016
Contact: Matt Reinartz
matt.reinartz@stpaul.gov
651.248.9836 (c)

Como Zoo Welcomes New Baby Emperor Tamarin Twins
Public will have opportunity to help name the pair during Como’s special “Woo At The Zoo” Weekend February 13-15.

Pitchers and catchers may be reporting to Fort Myers soon, but St. Paul's Como Zoo has it's own version of Minnesota twins now ready for the public to enjoy. Baby South American Emperor Tamarin twins have been born at the Como Zoo. The twins arrived on Wednesday, January 27 and visitors can now see the new infants as they hang tightly to their brother Franklin in the Primate Building at Como Zoo. This is the 2nd and 3rd babies born to parents Lara and Roger. The gender of the twins is thought to be a male and female, but it can take several weeks to determine their gender with absolute certainty.

After birth it is a male, usually the father, who will carry the babies on his back for the first 6-7 weeks. The fathers do the majority of the care-taking, usually only handing the infants over to the mother for nursing. Siblings often help the father carry the infants.

Among many of the special events and activities planned for Como’s popular “Woo At The Zoo” weekend, February 13-15, will be the opportunity for visitors to submit names for the lovable siblings.

Typically, the gestation period lasts 140-145 days; yielding usually two, sometimes 3 young. Emperor Tamarins are quite rare in zoos, with only 30 individuals currently in U.S. zoos.

Emperor Tamarins are usually between 9-10.5 inches in body length with a tail length of around 15 inches. Adult Tamarin’s weigh about 1 pound full-grown; the twin babies weigh approximately 40 grams, about the size of a mini candy bar. Their most distinct physical feature is their long, white, drooping mustache.

High resolutions photos available to the media upon request