Double delight for stolen Blackpool monkey

A critically endangered monkey that was stolen along with her baby from Blackpool Zoo earlier this year has given birth to healthy twins.

The Cotton-top Tamarin, who is called Mamma, was one of five monkeys that were taken, following a break-in at the end of April. While four of the monkeys were returned to Blackpool Zoo, her baby was never found.

Mamma gave birth to the twins on Friday 1st August and keepers have confirmed that she must have been in the early stages of pregnancy when the theft occurred.

Despite her traumatic experience Mamma and the twins are doing well and staff at the zoo are delighted to welcome two more babies to the extremely endangered species.

Charlotte Pennie, Senior Primate Keeper at Blackpool Zoo, said:  “Keepers at Blackpool Zoo were devastated earlier this year when five of our monkeys were stolen, as every single animal we have here is considered a member of our zoo family.

“We worked very closely with Lancashire Police and following huge media interest four of the five were found days later.

“The two new babies, who are yet to be sexed and named, are doing extremely well and we are delighted for Mamma. The pair are also vital for the international breeding programme, so it is great news all round.”

The Cotton-top Tamarin is one of the smallest primates in the world and weighs approximately 0.5kg. They are found in tropical forest edges and secondary forests in northwestern Colombia.

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Picture shows: Mamma and her new twins

More information about Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo announced record figures for the fifth consecutive year in 2013 as it continued with investment in facilities and attractions, introduces new species and enjoys success in international breeding programmes for endangered animals.

Visitor numbers were up 10 per cent, school visits seven per cent, internet bookings saw an 55 per cent increase, membership sales rose by 10 per cent, which all led to a 12 per cent rise in revenue.

Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world-wide player. The zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes. 

The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orang-utans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos. It is open every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, from 10am.

For further information please contact:

Paula Holden or Abi Blundell at ICG on 01772 679383 or email [email protected] or [email protected]