Harpij 4 2008
Where pygmies can be big: marmosets at Zodiac Zoos
Bernard Holdijk
Zoodiac Zoos
The taxonomy and life history of the family Callitrichidae, (marmosets or tamarins) is summarized at the beginning of this article. There is an EAZA Callitrichid TAG which, among other tasks, has developed a regional collection plan and husbandry guidelines. Husbandry of marmosets has improved greatly over the years, and now many species have viable captive populations. Eight EEPs and three ESBs for different species of Callitrichids exist. Zodiac Zoos coordinates the EEPs for the Goeldi’s marmoset (Callimico goeldii) and the cotton-top marmoset (Saguinus oedipus). This organization also acts as specified monitor for the Black ear-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata).
Zodiac Zoos has held marmosets since 1994. Three species were first held at Wissel Zoo, as these small primates can easily be accommodated in this then less than 3 ha park. Now 12 different marmoset species are held in four of the Zodiac zoos, of which eight species are included in EEPs or ESBs. Wissel Zoo currently houses eight species, Zoo Parc Overloon and Best Zoo have three species each and Aqua Zoo Friesland has two species. While the organization strives to have marmoset collections unique to the individual parks there is some overlap, which provides flexibility in placement of individuals.
Marmoset enclosures in Zodiac zoos are furnished with natural materials such as tree trunks that provide natural foraging opportunities. It is sometimes possible to house different marmoset species together: Geoffroy’s marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi) can be housed with golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) and the pygmy marmosets (Cebuella pygmaea) can generally be combined with any other species. Other combinations have been tried at Zodiac zoos but were unsuccessful; problems usually arise when one of the species had young. It is also possible to house marmosets with other animals such as sakis (Pithecia pithecia) and trumpeters (Psophia crepitans). While some other zoos house marmosets with agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata) this is not done at Zodiac zoos because agoutis may carry Yersinia bacteria.
Marmosets are generally held in family groups. A new group has to be formed when the dominant breeding male or female dies. Marmosets can be held in single-sex groups when suitable. These animals should never be housed alone, if necessary two single individuals of different species can be placed together temporarily. There have been 171 marmosets born in Zodiac zoos since 1994, most of which have been successfully reared. No hand-rearing is done to avoid behavioural problems; however the keepers supplement the diet of offspring with their parents if necessary. As there are still sufficient places for marmosets in EAZA zoos the Callitichid TAG has not recommended birth control for any species.
The marmosets at Zodiac zoos all receive an annual Yersinia vaccination, as this is the primary cause of death among marmosets. Keeper hygiene is very important in reducing chance of encountering this bacterium, as it can be carried by rodents in the zoo collection as well as by free-loading rodents. Zodiac zoos is now experimenting with a food pellet for marmosets, as the current diet requires time consuming preparation and is expensive.
The EAZA Callitrichid TAG and approximately 14 EAZA zoos, including three of the Zodiac zoos, support a white-footed tamarin (Saguinus leucopus) conservation project in Colombia. Research on the species in its habitat is being carried out and a nature reserve established. The project also focuses on providing information about this marmoset and its threats to the general public. Improving conditions of confiscated animals in zoos and rescue centres is another aim, as wild-caught animals are often illegally kept as pets. A breeding program is being developed that European zoos will be able to participate in once it is successfully established.
Because of the diversity of marmosets that exists, this family of primates serves as a wonderful example for illustrating evolution and specialization, and therefore can be very useful in zoos’ role as educators.
Diary of a red panda being reared by a domestic cat
Fanny Schutte
Artis
The diary begins on June 30 2008, when a red panda gave birth to twins. Her birthing behaviour was abnormal but by the end of the day she was in her birthing box with the babies and the area was closed to the public. On Day 2 at 8:15 A.M. the mother was observed carrying one of the babies in her mouth and agitatedly moving around her enclosure. The other cub lay on the ground where it was suffering from hypothermia. Eventually the mother dropped the baby she was carrying and both young were removed from the enclosure. It had to be decided whether to euthanize the cubs or try to hand-rear them.
A unique opportunity to foster-rear the pandas was available because one of the keeper’s cat had coincidentally given birth to four kittens on 27 June. The keeper took the cubs home and placed them between the kittens while the mother was detained elsewhere. The mother accepted the cubs immediately, and defended them. The cubs received one tube feeding as they were still weak. At 5:00 PM the cubs were placed on the mother cat’s nipples, where they immediatly began to drink. They both looked healthy and fell asleep after eating. The cubs weighed 105 g (female) and 115 g (male) on Day 2.
On Day 3 the cubs drank when put on the nipple; however the male seemed a bit still when the keeper came home from work. The male received a tube feeding (6 ml Nutriwelp). He nursed when put on the cat’s nipple at 9:00 PM, while the female nursed without aid. The male weighed 116 grams and the female 100 grams on Day 3
The male declined in condition on Day 4. According to the hand-rearing protocol used the body temperature should be between 35.2 – 36.0ºC, while the male’s body temperature had fallen to 32.8ºC. He received tube feedings three times but still died at 9:00 PM. He weighed 116 grams and the female weighed 111 grams on Day 4; she was much livelier than the male. The table shows the expected weights of hand-reared pandas at different ages.
On Day 5 the female weighed 115 gram. At this stage she should be gaining ± 5 grams per day. She was well-cared for by her foster mother, and received one tube feeding (3 ml Nutriwelp) at 10:00 PM to get her through the night.
Thereafter
the female received two to three tube feedings a day to
ensure sufficient growth, as a red panda cub should gain
between 5-10% of its body weight per day. The panda received
the name Punya, which means “bamboo eater” in Chinese.
The news about her unusual upbringing was told to the press
on Day 10, and her story travelled the world. Punya fit in
well with her adopted family, and was beginning to open her
eyes on Day 16. Quite unexpectedly she was found dead at
6:30 AM on Day 18, while she had been sleeping soundly with
the kittens only a few hours before. The post mortem
indicated that she has choked on milk.