Darling Downs Zoo pigmy marmosets

Chlidonias

Chlidonias

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Look what's new at the zoo | Toowoomba Chronicle
16 December 2012

IF cuteness could be measured then the new addition to the Darling Downs Zoo would be out of this world.

This week, the zoo became home to six highly endangered pygmy marmoset monkeys - the smallest in the world.

Native to South America, the Darling Downs Zoo is only the second in Queensland given permission to house the exotic animal.

Darling Downs Zoo owner Steve Robinson said it took about two years to get the animals to the zoo.

"These particular monkeys were bred at the Perth Zoo," Mr Robinson said.

"Breeding of these animals is very controlled.

"We can not change the world. But, we are doing our best to ensure we play our part in ensuring the species we keep at the zoo will be around for another 100 years," he said.

The Chronicle was on-hand yesterday to witness the six females enter their new purpose built facility for the first time.

"It is the first time these animals have been seen on the Darling Downs," Mr Robinson said.

"They are very vulnerable to weather conditions.

"We built the enclosure in a position which would stop the cold westerly winds but provide enough natural light for them.

"We have heat lights in the enclosure for them as well."

Mr Robinson said it had been a big year for the zoo.

"We have been admitted as full members of the Zoo and Aquarium Association," he said.

"That was a big feather in our cap."

Mr Robinson said plans are underway to bring a special animal to the zoo next year.
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That's fantastic news!

So what's the new animal? Can we play "guess the animal"? Is it an elephant?
 
Congragulations Steve
Is ther going be a male and breeding in the future?
 
Whoa ........!!! Hang on - I can't tell you too much at this early stage.

Nothing worse than bragging about what's coming, and then it is delayed or the whole deal falls over.

All I can tell you is that at least one of the species might raise a few eyebrows!!
 
Steve Robinson said:
Whoa ........!!! Hang on - I can't tell you too much at this early stage.

Nothing worse than bragging about what's coming, and then it is delayed or the whole deal falls over.

All I can tell you is that at least one of the species might raise a few eyebrows!!
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I hear you. When the (metaphorical) eagles land, share it with us first! :)
 
fantastic to hear! all the best to yourself, staff and the zoo with the upcoming events :) I'll have to revisit again once I'm back in the area
 
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