Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
In 2003, golden lion tamarins were upgraded from Critically Endangered to Endangered following intensive conservation efforts. It is estimated that about one thirds on today’s wild population originates from those raised in human care.
Our group of pygmy marmosets arrived on 16th April 2024 from Chester Zoo. This is the first time that we have housed this species here at Colchester Zoo since being home to a pair of common pygmy marmosets back in 2016.
Wild populations of pygmy marmosets are in decline due to hunting for the pet trade, habitat loss and degradation. As a result of this, the species is managed in European zoos under a breeding programme called a EAZA Ex Situ Programme (EEP).
Pygmy marmosets are
100g
in weight
In the year
2023
the habitat was named
In the 1970s, there were
200
golden lion tamarins
Tree gum makes up
70%
of a marmoset’s diet
Animals in Canopy of South America
Eastern Pygmy Marmoset
Cebuella niveiventris
From: South America
Status: Vulnerable
Quick Fact: Due to their specialised diet, these marmosets have a v-shaped lower jaw and long nail-like claws called ‘tegulae’, to gouge into trees.
Find me in: Canopy of South America
Mammals
Golden Lion Tamarin
Leontopithecus rosalia
From: South-eastern Brazil
Status: Endangered
Quick Fact: When family groups of this species confront one another, they raise their manes and fluff their fur.
Find me in: Canopy of South America
Mammals
Adopt an animal at Colchester Zoo
You will be helping to fund our work, as well as our charity, Colchester Zoological Society, which assists conservation projects all over the world!
