DES MOINES, Iowa — Baby season at zoos typically begins in the spring, but at the Blank Park Zoo the delightful season came early. On Wednesday zoo officials announced the birth of twin cotton-top tamarins.

The twins were born on Tuesday to mother, Kida, and father, Eddie. They join Kida’s other twins, Caitlin and Clark, who were born nearly one year ago on February 22, 2024.

According to Blank Park Zoo, cotton-top tamarins are one of the most endangered primates in the world. Due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade it’s estimated that the wild population of cotton-top tamarins is less than 6,000. The birth of the twins marks an important step in ensuring the survival of the species, the zoo said.

“The birth of these twins is a wonderful moment for not only Blank Park Zoo, but for the conservation of this critically endangered species,” Anne Shimerdla, president and CEO of Blank Park Zoo, said. “Through our partnership with the AZA’s Species Survival Plan and Proyecto Tití, we are making a meaningful impact on the future of cotton-top tamarins.”

The zoo said the public will have the chance to name the newborns later this spring, just like they did with naming Caitlin and Clark.

Visitors can see the twins in the Discovery Center. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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