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The Lake Superior Zoo is celebrating another remarkable addition to its cotton-top tamarin family! Our pair of critically endangered tamarins, Mira and Dino, recently welcomed twin infants, marking yet another important contribution to the conservation of this rare primate species.

Sadly, the smaller of the two twins passed away within the first 24 hours—an occurrence that is common among cotton-top tamarins when twins are born. 

This natural outcome allows the troop to focus its care on the surviving infant, giving it the best possible chance for survival. We’re happy to report that the remaining twin is healthy, active and thriving under the attentive care of both parents and older siblings, Echo and Tango and Foxtrot

This birth is especially meaningful given that cotton-top tamarins face a high infant mortality rate of around 53% and fewer than 2,000 mature individuals remain in the wild. Each successful birth is a significant step toward sustaining the species and strengthening zoo-managed populations.

The Lake Superior Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which carefully manages endangered species in accredited zoos to ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations. This cooperative breeding effort is vital to the long-term survival of cotton-top tamarins, whose wild populations are threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

The success of Mira and Dino’s troop is an inspiring example of how cotton-top tamarins learn and pass on essential parenting behaviors. In primates, these skills are not instinctual, they must be taught and observed within the family group. With each new birth, Mira and Dino are not only caring for their infants but also teaching older offspring how to nurture, groom, and carry the young, preparing them for future parenting roles of their own. This shared learning is vital to the long-term success of the species. Within the Species Survival Plan (SSP), developing these natural social and parenting skills is especially important; if reintroduction to the wild ever becomes necessary, tamarins must be equipped with this essential knowledge. Watching this troop grow, learn, and work together has been truly remarkable, a living example of conservation in action.

To support the health and development of their newest arrival, the tamarin troop is on a specialized light schedule designed to allow plenty of rest and nursing time. Visitors can see the growing family between noon and 2 p.m. daily at the Primate Conservation Center.

The Lake Superior Zoo is proud to continue century-long mission of inspiring connections to wildlife and fostering conservation action. Since 1923, the zoo has been one of the region’s most beloved attractions, offering year-round opportunities to experience animals up close in a stunning Northland setting.