Happy birthday Cadeau! Racine Zoo officials celebrate emperor tamarin's first birthday
RACINE -- The Racine Zoological Society is gearing up to celebrate a very important birthday. Cadeau, the Zoo’s female emperor tamarin, born December 23rd, 2014 is turning one on Wednesday.
Cadeau, whose name means “gift” in French, is the only emperor tamarin born last year and only one of two born to an Association of Zoos and Aquarium Accredited (AZA) institution since 2012.
Zoo staff is planning a special birthday party for Cadeau and guests are invited to attend.
Cadeau -- the Racine Zoo's emperor tamarin
The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. inside the historic Vanishing Kingdom and includes mini cupcakes, hot chocolate, tamarin-themed crafts and activities, plus animal chats about Cadeau at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
“Cadeau’s birth is a milestone for our Zoo and for the species,” said Beth Heidorn, Executive Director of the Racine Zoo. “We are one of only 11 AZA accredited institutions in North America displaying emperor tamarins, so Cadeau is truly a gift.”
Cadeau is the first offspring of male Marquis and female Isabella.
While it’s typical for emperor tamarins to give birth to twins, it’s not uncommon to only birth one, which is the case with Cadeau. The team expects Marquis and Isabella to breed again in the near future in hopes of supporting AZA Species Survival Plan initiatives for this species.
“Emperor tamarin populations are in rapid decline so we are actively supporting breeding initiatives to increase the number of births per year,” said Crystal Champeau-Williams, Racine Zoo’s Primary Primate Specialist. “According to the SSP, there are only six females in the breeding population across accredited institutions so Cadeau is a critical piece to future populations of emperor tamarins.”
“Cadeau’s birth is a milestone for our Zoo and for the species,” said Beth Heidorn, Executive Director of the Racine Zoo. “We are one of only 11 AZA accredited institutions in North America displaying emperor tamarins, so Cadeau is truly a gift.”
Emperor tamarins are small tree-dwelling primates weighing approximately one pound and known for their signature long mustaches.
In the wild, the emperor tamarin’s range is concentrated within the southwestern Amazon region mainly Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. They prefer to reside within the tree canopy of lowland tropical rainforest, usually located in river basins.
About the Racine Zoo
Nestled along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the Racine Zoo is open year round. Current hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Winter admission rates are: Members and children two and younger: FREE, children three years to 15 years: $3, seniors: $3.50, and adults: $4. For more information on the Racine Zoo, its programs and events, visit www.racinezoo.org, call 262.636.9189 and find us on Facebook and Twitter.