Twin Tamarin Babies Mark Rare European Breeding Success at Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Two infant tamarins were born this week at the Shaldon Wildlife Trust in Devon, making the facility one of only two zoos in Europe to achieve a successful breeding of the species in 2026. The arrival of the twins has been welcomed by conservationists as a modest but meaningful addition to the dwindling global population of these small New World primates.

Tamarins, members of the callitrichid family, are native to the tropical forests of South America and are listed as vulnerable or endangered in many parts of their range due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade. Their small size, distinctive facial hair and lively behavior have made them popular in captivity, yet reproducing them reliably in European zoos has proven difficult.

The Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s breeding program, which has been running for several years, focuses on creating a stable, genetically diverse captive population. In 2026, only two European institutions reported successful tamarin births, underscoring the technical and biological challenges involved. The twins’ birth reflects careful husbandry, appropriate social grouping, and meticulous monitoring of reproductive cycles.

While the newborns will remain at Shaldon for the foreseeable future, the trust plans to use the litter to enhance its contribution to the European Endangered Species Programme. The additional individuals will help broaden the genetic pool, reducing the risk of inbreeding and supporting potential future reintroduction or reinforcement projects in native habitats.

Captive breeding remains a critical tool for species whose wild numbers are under pressure, and the public’s interest in charismatic animals like tamarins can drive support for broader conservation initiatives. As Shaldon celebrates the twins, the zoo joins a small network of European facilities working to safeguard the future of these charismatic monkeys through science, collaboration, and education.