It’s a triple whammy as we celebrate the arrival of three new babies – on the same night!
February 11, 2026
Three’s definitely a charm here at Marwell Zoo after twin cotton-headed tamarins and a coppery titi monkey surprised their keepers by being born on the same night.
And love has clearly been in the air for the two species with their babies arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Amy Denny, Animal Team Leader for primates and small mammals said: “It was a huge surprise and very unusual to find two different groups had given birth on the same night, but a complete coincidence. We discovered the cotton-headed tamarins first which wasn’t too unexpected given we were anticipating it for a little while. But when the keeper moved on through Life Among the Trees to discover a titi baby that we had no idea about, we were pretty speechless.
“The relief was that everyone was happy and healthy and all siblings were settled with their new additions too, so you can’t hope for more than that as a keeper.”
For the Critically Endangered cotton-headed tamarins, the new twins bring the group at Marwell – known as a troop – to nine. It’s the fourth time that mum Gurt and dad Mico have become parents whose young are named after the Addams Family – Pugsley, Pubert, Fester, Lurch and Sloom.
Amy added: “We’ve had a string of success with cotton-headed tamarin births in the past couple of years – they have successfully bred every year since they were introduced to each other so they’re just a very compatible pair!”
It is thought that fewer than 2,000 cotton-headed tamarins are left in the wild, with numbers still falling. In Europe, breeding of the species is co-ordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex situ Programme (EEPs), to ensure genetic diversity and build healthy populations.
As for the new coppery titi monkey, this is the second baby to be born to breeding pair mum Taco and dad Mr Titi. Nacho was born in January last year and interestingly it’s the dad who will primarily carry the baby from now on.
Amy said: “We will leave the young to their parents – we’re hands-off with our management. We won’t now do anything physical until they’re due their first vaccinations in 2027 when we will sex and microchip them as well.”
The new babies can be spotted during February half term when visitors are encouraged to take part in Wild at Heart – a week of creative activities, seasonal treats, keeper talks and heart-warming family fun.
And what’s more, your little ones can eat free at Café Graze with every adult main meal purchased! (T&Cs apply).
From Saturday 14 February to Sunday 22 February 2026 activities include:
- Love bug family craft sessions from 10.30am to 3pm
- Explore the Heart of the Oceans virtual reality experience (additional charge applies)
- Keeper talks and animal feeding sessions
- Sweetheart marshmallow toasting by the firepit
- Plus, guests can enjoy heart-shaped pizzas and sip on pink hot chocolate at The Keeper’s Kitchen
A special pre-booked Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea is also be available at Marwell Hall on February 14 and 15 – think heart-shaped sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and more. Pre-booking is advised.
Nicky Cole, Senior Events Manager at Marwell Zoo, said: “We’re excited to welcome visitors to our Wild at Heart event this February half-term. It’s set to be a week full of nature and heart-warming family fun while exploring everything Marwell has to offer.”
Advanced booking is recommended, with annual members enjoying free entry. By visiting Marwell, you are contributing to the vital conservation projects here in the UK and across the globe.
