Symbio Wildlife Park is welcoming the arrival of twin babies to a small monkey family that was the target of a theft in 2016.
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Zookeepers are celebrating the good news for the world’s smallest monkey with many families these school holidays.
When Pygmy Marmosets Gomez and Jo welcomed the arrival of their two babies three weeks ago there was plenty of excitement and relief among their extended zoo family at Helensburgh.
The twins weighed in at just 15 grams and have progressed well under the watchful eye of Gomez and Jo and everyone at the family run zoo.
Symbio marketing manager Kevin Fallon said the twins are now starting to find the confidence and strength to take short adventures away from the comfort of their parents/
Mr Fallon said the arrival was a far call from the tragedy that played out late last year when thieves broke into the wildlife park near Helensburgh and stole Gomez, a juvenile and a newborn baby.
“Thanks to the support from media, the community and the tireless work of NSW Police, they were thankfully returned and have been thriving ever since,” he said.
Pygmy Marmosets are highly social animals, and just like their human counterparts, all members of the family chip in to help out with the babies.
Even the juvenile siblings take turns lending a helping hand.
Although not classified as endangered Mr Fallon said in the wild Pygmy Marmoset numbers are on the decrease due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade.
Mr Fallon said the pigmy marmoset babies were part of a spring baby boom at the Symbio Wildlife Park.
He said seven Kangaroo and Wallaby joeys were now starting to pop their heads out for spring.
In the new farmyard exhibit the goat population has grown with the arrival of six new kids.
The last 12 months have been busy the Radnidge family and their team.
Christmas saw the population increase by three with rare Red Panda triplets. First time mum Kesari gave birth to the trio to celebrate the festive season in the best way possible with father Pabu.
The Red Panda cubs each weigh in at of around 100 grams and have grown quickly to become a popular attraction at Symbio. Red Pandas are an endangered species and hard to breed so the arrival of three infants at Symbio is considered an important step for the international breeding program. The zoological industry in Australia views their arrival as a major boost to the genetic preservation of a species that has a declining population in the wild where they enjoy a very similar habitat to the larger Giant Panda.
Related stories:
- Three pygmy marmosets stolen from Symbio
- Symbio Wildlife Park monkey theft: police search for third pygmy marmoset Gomez
- Search for stolen Symbio monkey Gomez intensifies
- Stolen Symbio monkeys found alive; two men charged
- Gomez, third pygmy marmoset stolen from Symbio Zoo, found safe
- Third stolen monkey Gomez returned to Symbio
- Pygmys settle back into Symbio: photos, video
- Cute baby Red Panda triplets born at Symbio Wildlife Park
- Spring has sprung with a baby boom at Symbio Wildlife Park
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
