Throughout November, people around the globe grow moustaches to rival our Emperor Tamarins, however Mr Mo-vember at Perth Zoo, ‘Javier’ is sporting a different kind of addition.

The patriarch of Perth Zoo’s tamarin family is turning heads, not just for his impressive moustache, but also due to the adorable baby tamarin seen clinging to his back.

Born to breeding pair Javier and mother, ‘Eemmee’ the youngster entered the world at the beginning of October but is now much more visible to Zoo visitors.

In the Emperor Tamarin world, males take on the primary caring role of young. And although the youngster hasn’t got a moustache yet, you might just spot some stubble as both males and females sport the distinguishing facial feature. At the moment our Zoo Keepers are giving the tamarins extra space to adjust to their new family member, so we don’t know if the new arrival is male or female, but this will be determined when it has its first hands on veterinary check at 6 to 12 months of age.

The species which are found in the south-west Amazon Basin are under threat in the wild due to logging of their natural habitats, so zoos around the world work together to coordinate their breeding to help reverse their decline. It’s always really exciting to have a new Perth Zoo family member, but when it is an animal that is part of a globally managed breeding program, it makes it all the more special!

And although their white whiskers make them look old and wise, the Emperor Tamarins are a favourite with Zoo visitors due to their juvenile agility. They’re often partaking in cheeky primate pursuits, leaping through the trees or foraging for insects and tasty treats.

The new addition brings the Perth Zoo Emperor Tamarin family to seven, joining parents and twin brothers born in 2016 ‘Picaro’ and ‘Ladino’ and twin sisters born in January 2017 ‘Manzano’ and ‘Higo’.

And if you are wondering why they are called Emperor Tamarins, it’s because they’re named due to their resemblance to the German Emperor Wilhelm II, who sported one very impressive handlebar moustache!