Conservation breeding programme at The Green Planet
Celebrations of the birth of its latest residents to join The Green Planet family are in line. The adorable Cotton-top Tamarin twins are residents of Dubai’s only in-door rainforest. Cotton-top Tamarins are small monkeys weighing less than 0.5kg and can usually be found in the northwest corner of Colombia.
As a endangered species, only 5 percent of their geographic range remains in the wild due to deforestation. The Green Planet entered a conservation breeding program to help genetic diversity within the species. Victoria Lyn, General Manager – Attractions Leisure and Entertainment, Dubai Holding commented “Cotton-top Tamarins historically play an important role in seed dispersal and fertilization within the rainforest. This makes them a vital part of the rainforest ecosystem.
However, in the early 60’s and 70’s Cotton-top Tamarins were often exported in their thousands to the US for medical testing related to colon cancer treatment. Along with this, deforestation, and human activity has unfortunately meant that their population has rapidly declined in the wild. Through our conservation breeding program we can help in re-building a healthy population of the species.”
Cotton-top Tamarins are known for their cooperative breeding and parenting. There is a collective effort for both parents and the entire community to care for the young.
Cotton-top Tamarin twins are now available to see at Dubai’s only in-door rainforest – The Green Planet
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.thegreenplanetdubai.com/en
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