Three Geoffroy’s Marmosets Arrive at Long Island Aquarium
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center has added three marmosets to its Amazon Rainforest exhibition, thanks to the University of Nebraska in Omaha.
The university has donated an 8-year-old mother marmoset named Zephyr and her 2-year-old twins, Queso and Ricotta. They were part of a group of marmosets that scientists studied to better understand marmaset breeding habits.
This species is the Geoffroy’s marmoset, also known as the white-headed marmoset or tufted-ear marmoset. In the wild, they can be found in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. According to the aquarium, they are social animals that live in groups of up to 10 family members, including a dominant breeding couple. They are omnivores, and their most important food source is tree sap and gum.
“Their unique chirping vocalizations range in sound and meaning and are important for their ability to communicate with each other,” the aquarium stated.
The animal training staff at the aquarium will work to keep the primates stimulated. Toys will be available for play, and various devices will hide gum for them to find.
Zephyr, Queso and ricotta first went on display December 20.