Quantcast
Channel: Exeter Express and Echo Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 7823

Devon zoo in world first with triplet mini-monkeys

$
0
0
This happy handful has just arrived at a Devon zoo near Exeter. Shaldon Wildlife Trust has announced the birth of triplet pygmy marmosets, the smallest species of monkey. Staff at the Trust believe that this could be a world first for a mother to rear all three offspring successfully! Dad, Mork, and Mum, Mindy, could easily fit into a teacup. Julie Matthews, Education Officer at the zoo said "Twins are quite common with this species and, although births of triplets do sometimes occur, it is unheard of for all three to survive. We are very excited to announce that the infants are 2 months old and thriving. Mork and Mindy have worked very hard sharing the parental responsibilities of their large family. The babies have been named Meeny, Miny and Mo and are often carried by their dad for long periods of time to give their mum a break! Just recently however they have been seen exploring their environment, jumping on and off dad's back, before scurrying back to safety." These mini monkeys are at threat in the wild from habitat destruction and sadly they are still captured for the pet trade. Despite being one of the cutest things you've ever seen; they do not make good pets" says Julie. "They need to live in social groups and have a very specialised diet including lots of live insects and acacia gum (tree sap) which we make into a paste and smear on branches to encourage natural behaviour

Devon zoo in world first with triplet mini-monkeys


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 7823

Latest Images

Trending Articles

<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>