Cue the ‘awws,’ because in addition to welcoming an adorable baby gorilla, Primate World recently celebrated the arrival of two tiny-but-bold bearded sisters: 4-year-old Mattessich (pronounced mad-eh-sitch) and 3-year-old Gianna.
The sisters are difficult to tell apart, even for the keepers who work closely with them. Each tamarin has a microchip, so staff can keep accurate records, but the best way for guests to distinguish them is by their beards. Mattessich tends to have a less groomed beard and Gianna’s beard is typically more kempt.
The bearded emperor tamarin sisters came from another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in July. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is supporting the Bearded Emperor Tamarin Species Survival Plan by providing homes for the two sisters until they have breeding recommendations.
“They are really outgoing and interested in guests,” Madi Ort, animal keeper in Primate World, says. “They’ll come right over to the glass with such curious energy, and they always want to see what people are holding in their hands.”
Mattessich and Gianna are curious, energetic, adorable and playful! They like to pounce around their exhibit, exploring the perching system and enrichment keepers provide for them. They’re also expert students, and they participate in important husbandry training with their care team.
“They’re eager to interact with keepers, so we’re quickly building trusting relationships with them through training sessions,” Madi says. “They know how to ‘station’ at a specific location, stand on a scale for regular weight checks and get into their crates. We’re currently fine-tuning body presentation training, where we ask them to stand up on their hind legs and reach up, so we can visually check their abdomens and limbs.”
Both sisters are bold, but Gianna seems to be the dominant tamarin of the two. That dynamic could change as the two continue to settle in. Madi says both sisters are confident and comfortable around each other, politely taking turns for training sessions with keepers and sharing meals side-by-side. Still, Gianna employs a little ‘extra.’ Sometimes, she will jump over Mattessich to access high-value reinforcers, like her favorite snacks – bananas, watermelon and tree branches.
“It’s hard to put into words how adorable they are,” Madi says. “They have these big ears, pink noses, wide eyes and precious little hands and feet. They weigh about one pound each, so they’re really small, but normal weight for full-grown emperor tamarins. Plus, they make really cute chirps, almost like birds, when they vocalize. Combined with their beautiful mustaches and markings, they’re just a joy to see.”
Guests can visit Mattessich and Gianna in Primate World right away.