Breeding animals twice at the Bremerhaven Sea Zoo
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the survival of Emperor Tamarins, a type of marmoset, is under threat due to deforestation. However, a new family at Sea Zoo Bremerhaven is offering a glimmer of hope for these fascinating primates.
The birth of Emperor Tamarin twins on July 8th has brought joy to the zoo. The father, Cusco, arrived in Bremerhaven from Zoo Neumünster in 2018, and the mother, Bacuri, was brought from the French Zooparc Beaval in 2022. The twins are currently being carried on Papa Cusco's back, a testament to the active role Emperor Tamarin fathers play in infant care.
Emperor Tamarins are known for their cooperative breeding system, where the father plays a crucial role in caring for the offspring. Unlike many other primates, Emperor Tamarin fathers intensely participate in infant care, sharing the burden of carrying and protecting the young. This paternal involvement allows the mother to recover more quickly and maintain better health for future reproduction, increasing overall reproductive success and population stability.
Such biparental care is adaptive in the resource-scarce and predator-rich environments of the Amazon rainforest. Active paternal care improves offspring survival rates by reducing infant vulnerability during foraging and moving through complex arboreal habitats. It also supports the social structure and cohesion of their groups, which is important for defense and resource acquisition.
The twins are not the first offspring for either Cusco or Bacuri. The phase where babies stay on the father's back doesn't last long, and after birth, male Emperor Tamarins lick the little ones clean. Raising two little ones at once is a challenging task for Emperor Tamarin fathers, but Cusco is up to the task. He is the primary caregiver for the twins, with Bacuri providing feeding.
Although the twins are not yet adults, they are already contributing to the conservation efforts at Sea Zoo Bremerhaven. Their birth and thriving under the dedicated care of their parents highlight the importance of paternal involvement in the survival and reproductive success of Emperor Tamarins in the wild.
Despite the challenges posed by deforestation, the Emperor Tamarin population is not currently considered endangered. However, continued efforts in conservation, research, and education are necessary to ensure the survival of these remarkable primates in the wild.
[Image Credit: Sea Zoo Bremerhaven] [1] Cooperative Breeding in Emperor Tamarins: A Key to Survival in the Wild [3] The Role of Paternal Care in Emperor Tamarin Reproductive Success [5] Adaptive Strategies in Emperor Tamarin Social Behavior and Reproduction
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