Endangered species of monkey at Universeum
The first mammals moved into Universeum during the summer of 2006. Specifically, a small family of Goeldi’s monkeys of the species Callimico goeldii.
In the summer of 2006 mum Ricola and dad Bio had their first baby at Universeum, Baracka (see photo). When this photo was taken she was only a couple of weeks old and her face was no bigger than a thumb nail.
Note!Our ape family can move freely in the rain forest and can choose
themselves whether they want to be outside and get up to mischief or
inside and sleep. They go in for the day at 17.00.
If you have any questions there’s always a guide you can ask in the
rain forest. |
On February 15, 2007 a second baby was born, Arriba. The newly born Goeldi's monkey is sitting on its mother's back. Mum and the three older siblings move around quite freely in the rainforest.
More abaout Goeldi´s monkey
The Goeldi's monkey seems to be a cross between the monkeys of the old and new worlds, and between tamarins/marmosets and capuchin monkeys.
It has claws instead of nails, and is the only small ape in the new world with 36 teeth. All other marmosets and tamarins have 32 teeth.
Black fur balls with long tails
Goeldi's monkeys communicate using at least 40 different sounds, although it is not known for being a particularly noisy animal.
The monkeys are small and dainty weighing around half a kilo and are about 25 cm long. They are totally black with long hair that protrudes around the head.
They use their long tails to keep their balance when moving across dense forest or on long branches hanging in the trees.
Older brothers and sisters take care of the small ones
Goeldi's monkeys live in family groups of between 4 -10 animals all from the same parents, i.e. the reproductive pair in the family.
The older offspring help to look after their younger siblings even as adults. This provides them with valuable knowledge for when they raise families of their own.
Pals with other apes
Goeldi's monkeys search through the forest on the lookout for fruit trees often accompanied by marmosets and tamarins. During the dry period, they have to move about more in order to find trees that bear fruit.
Even though the majority of the time is spent in the trees, they sometimes come down to the ground, often to look for insects and reptiles.
Protected in zoos across the world
The Goeldi's monkey originally comes from the rainforest in the heart of South America where it has become an endangered species due to the amount of tree felling. This is why there is a conservation project aimed at breeding Goeldi's monkeys in zoos across the world to ensure the survival of the species.
Plans are in place to reintroduce monkeys bred in captivity back into restored, protected regions in South America.
Specially trained keepers
The monkeys that live at Universeum have been raised in Zürich by the species' studbook keepers, and Universeum is part of this worldwide conservation work.
There is great responsibility attached to taking care of an endangered species.
Universeum's keepers have undergone "clicker training" which allows them to communicate and train the monkeys so our vets can examine them. The keepers are also trained to ensure that the monkeys are eating the right amount of food and vitamins.
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