Marmosets

Tel: +44 (0) 1639 730276

We are eternally grateful to all those kind people who help us to care for the animals in our sanctuary.

Company Registration No 3714183 .

VAT Number 741 8355 27.

UK registered charity number 1076645

Marmosets are small New World monkeys comprising twenty two species, all of which are indigenous to the Amazonian regions of South America. They are often kept as house pets. Marmosets are closely related to Tamarins and both have fine, silky, multi-coloured coats.

Their markings, colours and patterns, are species specific, with each species having unique tufts, manes, and moustaches. This makes Marmosets and Tamarins the most diverse and colourful of the New World primates.

Marmosets are arboreal (tree living) animals.Their hind legs are specially developed for holding onto a limb while reaching for a piece of fruit or an insect and their sharp claws provide a sure, steady anchor. They are forest dwellers but are not found in mountainous regions. Marmosets and Tamarins are diurnal (active by day, sleeping at night) and gain their nourishment primarily through fruits, augmented by nectars, flowers, saps, gums, and small animals such as frogs, lizards, insects, and spiders. They have also been known to eat leaf buds, but not mature leaves.

Although the tails of these primates are very long and substantial in relation to body size they are not prehensile, and are used only for balancing while climbing, leaping, and running. They are very agile creatures, crossing from tree to tree by running along branches at incredibly high speeds. Today only Bolivia, Panama, and French Guinea still permit their export, but many are still found in laboratories.

FACTS

The perfect gift for animal lovers, why not adopt a Marmoset

We are eternally grateful to all those kind people who help us to care for the animals in our sanctuary. Donations from the public, businesses and other organisations are vital to our continued survival and any contribution or other form of support is greatly appreciated.

Here are some of the characters that you will see on your visit to the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary.

Click here to read about Denzil and his friends at the Sanctuary.