For immediate release
Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

 One of the Smallest Living Monkeys Born At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

November 1, 2007 - Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the birth of a pygmy marmoset, the smallest living primate, on October 23, 2007.  It is estimated to weigh 16 grams.  Because of its small size, the Zoo won’t know the gender for some time.  Stella, the mother, was born in March 2007 at the Miller Park Zoo in Illinois, and the father, Chopper, was born at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in September 1993. You will often see the male carrying around its offspring and transferring it to the female for nursing.  They are located in the Range of the Jaguar’s Lost Temple. 

“We are happy to report that mother and baby are doing well” said Craig Miller, curator of mammals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  “We now have a family of three pygmy marmosets.” 

Pygmy marmosets have been at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens since 1990. This species is from Western Brazil, southeastern Columbia, eastern Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.  Fully grown, their bodies are 5 to 14 ½ inches long and tails are 5 to 16 inches long and have dark rings.  The females usually give birth to two offspring for each pregnancy with a normal gestation period of 130 to 150 days.  The babies are weaned around three months of age and are cared for by both parents.  They feed on both animal and vegetable substances, and one of their favorite treats is insects, and they let out excited chirps when they catch them. Their life expectancy is up to 16 years in zoos.

Those interested in sponsoring the new baby by joining the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Animal Care Club should contact Victoria Ethier at 904-757-4463, extension 145 or email her at ethierv@jacksonvillezoo.org.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side two miles off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  The Zoo is open until 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day. For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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