The cotton-headed tamarins at the Peoria Zoo have been moved to a newly renovated exhibit. Although this exhibit is only 40 feet down the hall from their old home, it will be a big change for the tamarins and the public. The additional height will allow the monkeys to more fully display their adaptations to living in the treetops.

Visitors will also get to hear a lot more of the tamarins’ vocalizations as they will no longer be behind glass. Cotton-headed tamarins are New World monkeys and are easily recognized by the characteristic fan of long, white hair on their heads. The average height of both males and females is only about 9 inches. Wild adults weigh on average 14.7 oz, while captive cottontop tamarins are significantly heavier and weigh, on average, 19.9 oz.

Peoria Zoo currently houses 4 cotton-headed tamarins. A family group of mother, father and son arrived in 2006 and a daughter was born in 2009.

The cotton-headed tamarin is one of the most endangered primates in the world. The species is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. There has been an 80% reduction in the wild population in 3 generations (18 years) due to habitat destruction.

Graphics are currently being designed to highlight important conservation work being done to protect the species; in particular, Proyecto Titi, an in situ program that combines field research, education initiatives and community programs to make the conservation of natural resources economically feasible for local communities.

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