Zoodoo has recently welcomed two new additions to their growing animal family. Abu, a three year old male, and Alvaro, a four year old female are Cotton-top tamarins, small monkeys that are easily recognizable by the white mane above their head.

They are endemic to Colombia in South America and are some of the world’s most endangered primates. Abu and Alvaro made their way safely to their new home in Tasmania as part of a conservation effort to protect cotton-top tamarins. With only2000 breeding adults left in the wild, their greatest threat to survival is the loss of habitat due to deforestation, mining, illegal logging, and urban expansion.

“We are working with other zoos around the world to ensure that tamarins in human care are genetically managed for the best outcomes for the population,”

says General Manager of Zoo Operations at Zoodoo, Nick Atchison. Zoodoo will financially support Project Tamarin (Proyecto Titi), a conservation program in Colombia that conducts field research projects, restores forest habitat, and engages with local people living near cotton-top tamarin habitat.

Since early 2020, when Donna Cuttriss took over the management of Zoodoo, the zoo has made some essential upgrades to the site. A workshop with business professionals, community leaders and animal experts was held to collaborative lyre-imagine the future of the zoo.

“It’s amazing to hear the comments from visitors that haven’t been to Zoodoo in a few years. At first they are surprised by some of the changes the zoo has undergone, but then they leave having had a genuinely meaningful wildlife experience while still enjoying some of the great Zoodoo activities they know and love,” says Zoodoo’s Marketing and Events Officer, Ellie Boxhall. “We are a guest funded animal park and extremely excited to welcome travelers from the mainland again, so we can continue to create more meaningful experiences for our community and improve the welfare of the animals in our care.”