Meet Dickerson Park Zoo’s endangered twin newborn monkeys

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Dickerson Park Zoo has grown by two. In late July, triplet cotton-top tamarins were born.

Sadly, only two survived. Now, the twins are growing strong and ready for visitors at the zoo.

Cotton-top tamarins are one of the world’s most critically endangered species. Dickerson Park Zoo’s Joey Powell says the birth is a really big event.

“The birth is not just exciting for Dickerson Park Zoo , but the species as a whole,” Powell said.

According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo , fewer than 6,000 cotton-top tamarins are left in the wild, making them one of the most endangered species of primates in the world. The cotton-top tamarins are only found in the forests of northwest Colombia.

If you are hoping to get a peek at the new babies, Powell has some advice, “Once you get to the flamingos, slow down just a little bit and keep the kids quiet and you keep quiet. Just approach slowly and there’s a good chance you’re going to see them”

While looking for the babies, it’s best to look on the mom’s back, where they will cling for the first couple of months. The monkeys have access indoors and outdoors, going between the two often.

On July 29, 2024, mom Kiki and dad, Super Cutie, welcomed the three new babies. In a Facebook post on August 3, the Dickerson Park Zoo announced, “The animal care staff at Dickerson Park Zoo is sad to share one of the cotton-top tamarin triplets has passed away.”

The Dickerson Park Zoo is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The zoo is located at 3043 North Fort in Springfield.

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