We have welcomed a new Pygmy Marmoset - this pint-sized primate might be tiny, but he’s already made a big first impression.

Weighing in at a delicate 150grams, the two-year old male has quickly won over the animal care team with his calm and curious nature.

Visitors can now see Warrick with his female friend Jo, a young marmoset who was born at the 2024 through our role in the regionally coordinated breeding program.  

Primate keeper Louise Knowles said the pair are already showing promising signs of a successful partnership.

“They’ve been getting along well so far. We’ve seen lots of grooming, snuggling and huddling, all of which are great signs.

“Warrick is also doing what male marmosets do best - fluffing up his fur to show off in front of Jo and defend his territory.

“That type of behavior is exactly what we want to see, as it shows he’s settling in,” Louise said.

As a social primate, Pygmy Marmosets communicate using high-pitched trills and chirps, something visitors may notice during their visit.

“It’s fascinating to watch them communicating with each other in different situations,” Lousie said.

“Their regular calls show they’re looking out for one another and want to remain close and safe. While it can be quite loud for human ears, it’s exciting to hear it so often from the pair.”

Despite being one of the world’s smallest primates, Pygmy Marmosets are incredibly agile and can leap as high as five meters!

But Warrick and Jo seem content in staying close to one another, sitting in the sun and snacking side-by-side throughout the day.

We're proud to play an active role in the regionally coordinated Pygmy Marmoset breeding program.

It is hoped Warrick and Jo will eventually contribute to its ongoing success.

You can see the adorable pair daily from 9am-5pm in the Primate Trail.

FAST FACTS:

  • Pygmy Marmosets are omnivores eat flowers, nectar, fruit and grubs, their long incisor teeth that help them get sap from trees.
  • They are monogamous, meaning they usually have one mate for life.
  • With sharp claw-like nails they can easily cling to trees and branches.
  • These monkeys are native to the rainforests of the western Amazon Basin.
  • Pygmy Marmosets are listed as decreasing on the IUCN Red List, with habitat loss and the illegal pet trade are the biggest threats facing pygmy marmosets in the wild.