'Extra special' tamarin twins born at zoo

One of the UK's smallest accredited zoos is celebrating after "extra special" pied tamarin twins were born at the site.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust, in Devon, said the critically endangered twins were born on 29 September to mum Bobby and dad Pedra. Its director, Zak Showell, said it was a "challenge" to breed the species.

The trust said the animals were among the most endangered primates in South America. Bosses said the infants were "thriving" and had started to hitch rides on their parents' backs as they explored their habitat.

Showell said: "For a zoo of our size to achieve this and to be one of just two European zoos to manage it this year is an unbelievable proud moment for our small team."

"It has been an incredible year for births here at Shaldon, but these twins are extra special," he said.

"Pied tamarins are exceptionally delicate animals, and breeding them successfully is a challenge."

The trust said the primates required "stress-free environments and specialist care".

It said zoo keepers intentionally kept the news of the arrivals under wraps for a few weeks to give the "delicate family complete peace and quiet".

The species is listed as critically endangered on the International Union of Conservation and Nature's (IUCN) Red List.

The zoo said, in the wild, they were restricted to "a shrinking pocket of rainforest" around Manaus, Brazil.

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