Press Release: Monkeys rescued from parrot cage given new home at Fife Zoo

A trio of marmosets which were rescued by an animal and wildlife charity have been given a brand-new home at Fife Zoo . The ‘New Arc’ animal charity based in Aberdeenshire, are more familiar with rescuing domestic animals such as rabbits and gerbils but were left appalled to find the trio of monkeys living in a parrot cage providing inadequate space, heating and behavioral enrichment. Upon being contacted, Fife Zoo agreed to provide a new home to the animals and worked quickly to create a purpose-built enclosure for the marmosets.

Marmosets Mama, Mila and Mycroft are all related, with mum Mama having Mila and Mycroft in separate litters. It is believed that at one time, as many as six marmosets were kept in their horrendous parrot cage living quarters. Following a period of rehabilitation at Fife Zoo, the monkeys are now on display to the public. Despite the marmoset’s unfortunate start to life, they now have access to a brand-new enclosure featuring specially selected plants, climbing branches and hiding spaces at Fife Zoo. The family also have access to a heated ‘off-show’ area which provides the monkeys, which are more familiar with the heat of Brazil, with some respite from the Scottish weather. The zookeeper team at Fife Zoo also provide the trio with daily enrichment to keep their minds stimulated and to encourage them to display natural behaviors which the species would normally display in the wild.

Common Marmosets are native to the forests of north-eastern Brazil, but have been introduced into many areas outside of their natural range. Common Marmosets usually live in stable groups with an average size of 8-10 individuals forming each family unit. Each group usually contains only one breeding pair consisting of the highest-ranking male and female.

The new marmoset enclosure at Fife Zoo will not only benefit the animal’s welfare, it has also led to an improved visitor experience, with guests at the zoo now being able to see the marmosets in the zoo’s South America section which also features Armadillos and Agouti, a small South American rodent.

Fife Zoo’s Director Mike Knight said ‘The three marmosets have had a terrible start to life and were rescued from horrendous conditions. Exotic animals such as marmosets do not make good pets and require specialist care to maintain their overall health and well-being.’

‘When we received the call from The New Arc, we were keen to offer our support and it was fortunate that we had the facilities available to provide the marmosets with a new home. The marmosets have a forever home here at the zoo and we will provide them with everything they need to have the best possible quality of life.’

The Fife attraction near Ladybank is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment as part of a ten-year master plan which will also see Red Panda, Bamboo Lemurs and Tamarins added to the zoo. An extended zebra enclosure and walk-through African aviary were already added to the zoo earlier this year.

For press enquiries please contact:

Jessica Blyth-Sweetingham at [email protected]