09 Sep Meet our Geoffroy’s Marmosets: The Tiny Treetop Explorer
September’s Animal of the Month that we are highlighting here at Ross Park Zoo is our Geoffroy’s Marmoset!
We have 4 marmosets here at the zoo, Maxine (F), Finn (M), Quincey (M), and CJ (M). Our troop can be found in our New World Tropics building where they are in what is characterized as a mixed-species exhibit! This is a purposeful creation that provides an immersive view to resemble their native home where these animals would be inhabiting each other’s space naturally. Each species also benefits from one another occupying the same space as it provides a form of enrichment. If you look above you while you are in our Tropics building, you will see these tunnels that connect each of the exhibits. This is what allows our marmosets to explore and move from one exhibit space to another. This also acts as a natural form of enrichment for them allowing them to experience and interact with different species!
New World refers to South America where these animals are often found. It replicates what we would see in the Amazon with the different levels of the forest, with canopy, understory, and forest floor species. Unfortunately, though, much of the Amazon forest is being converted for agriculture and raising cattle. The Amazon and Coastal Atlantic forests in South America are teeming with wildlife and are biodiversity hotspots. One of the biggest threats to the habitats in South America is the commercial palm oil industry. When these forests are converted to palm fields the remaining habitat is degraded and fragmented. We can help by buying materials from sustainably sourced palm oil to protect her vital forest habitat from conversion to agriculture.
Geoffroy’s Marmosets also suffer from habitat loss much like our other New World Tropics species. Their home is the Atlantic Forest (more coastal but just as biodiverse as the Amazon Forest) which is being destroyed and causing habitat fragmentation. They are also sometimes captured for the illegal pet trade along with other sought after primates. We can best support the conservation of this species by spreading awareness and not participating in the illegal pet trade. Visit the AZA’s website and explore their “Not A Pet” Campaign for more information on how you can make a difference!
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