Native to the forests of Colombia, cotton-top tamarins are small monkeys easily recognized by the bright white tuft of hair on top of their heads. These charming creatures live in family groups, with a breeding pair and their offspring. They primarily feed on tree saps, gums, fruits, invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates.

In the tamarin family, dad plays a key role in raising the young—so much so that he actually gains weight when the mother is pregnant! He often carries the babies on his back, making him an active co-parent.

Sadly, these adorable primates are rare in the wild due to deforestation and over-collection for biomedical research. Cotton-top tamarins are the only primate species (other than humans) known to suffer from colon cancer, which historically led to their capture.

At the zoo, we’re helping conserve these fascinating creatures through participation in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). We also support cotton-top tamarin conservation in the wild through Proyecto Titi, a community-based program in Colombia that offers sustainable jobs to locals.

Meet Mateo, Virginia, Mingo, Freya and Salem
Here at the zoo, we care for a loving family of cotton-top tamarins: Mateo, Virginia, and their adorable kids, Mingo, Freya and Salem. They enjoy a healthy diet of special marmoset food, grapes, apples, hard-boiled eggs, and mealworms. For enrichment, they love climbing vines, solving puzzle feeders, and playing with a variety of toys and play pieces.