Lincoln Park Zoo’s mustachioed monkeys ready to mingle for Valentine’s Day

Lincoln Park Zoo has recently introduced a pair of emperor tamarins. These charming, mustachioed primates are more than just a delightful addition; they are part of an important breeding program focused on expanding the species. The tamarins, known for their striking facial hair and vibrant personalities, have arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day, bringing a fresh wave of romance and energy to the zoo. With the tamarins’ arrival, the zoo hopes to nurture the growth of a future new generation of tamarins.

Eight-year-old Sal, originally from the Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee, and four-year-old Feta, a spirited female from Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, Mass., are now residents of Lincoln Park Zoo. Their arrival highlights the importance of conservation efforts. While emperor tamarins aren’t currently at risk of extinction, they face significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural activities in the Amazon basin. Additionally, these lively, social monkeys are increasingly targeted by the illegal pet trade. These challenges underscore the crucial need for a breeding program to help protect the species.

The Bearded Emperor Tamarin Species Survival Plan is an international initiative aimed at managing animal populations across accredited zoos. This program's mission is to ensure the survival of these primates by providing a safe environment that supports their growth and well-being. Lincoln Park Zoo, along with other zoos nationwide, is working to establish a sustainable tamarin population, with the hope of one day reintroducing them to their natural habitat.

Bearded emperor tamarins are native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, where they live in tight-knit family groups and thrive on teamwork. From foraging to protecting their young, these primates depend on their strong social bonds to survive in the dense, competitive jungles of the Amazon. They communicate through high-pitched calls and social grooming, but their most notable characteristic is their long, bushy white mustaches. Their name was inspired by the distinguished facial hair of German Emperor Wilhelm II.

Weighing between 1.5 and two pounds, emperor tamarins have petite, lightweight bodies that make them incredibly agile in their jungle habitats. Their long, bushy tails are not only a distinctive feature but also serve as an effective tool, helping them grasp branches and maneuver through the trees with ease.

As these charming primates quickly adjust to their new home at the Regenstein Small Mammal and Reptile House, they are ready to get to know each other just in time for Valentine’s Day. The hope is that Sal and Feta will soon become parents, helping to nurture the next generation of emperor tamarins.

This sassy, tree-swinging duo is a playful reminder of how vital it is to protect the world’s tiniest creatures. Visitors can help welcome the mustachioed twosome to Chicago and share in some Valentine’s Day cheer. The sound of tiny tamarin toes may be closer than imagined!