The critically endangered primates were born in March—and they’re already stealing hearts in NEOTROPICA.
SAN ANTONIO — Double the babies, double the cuteness!
The San Antonio Zoo is celebrating the arrival of cotton-top tamarin twins—tiny, fluffy newcomers now bonding with their family in the NEOTROPICA habitat.
While twins might sound rare, for these little primates, it’s actually pretty normal. About 80% of cotton-top tamarin births result in twins—but here’s the twist: the species itself is critically endangered, with only about 6,000 left in the wild. That makes every single birth a big deal.
Zoo officials say the babies are already getting the full VIP treatment from their troop. In true team effort fashion, dad and siblings help carry the tiny twins on their backs, giving mom a much-needed break.
To celebrate the moment, the zoo teamed up with Methodist Healthcare to highlight a fun connection—while tamarin twins are common, human twins are much more rare. In fact, just over 10,000 twins were born in Texas in 2024.
The partnership even included a sweet photo moment, pairing newborn human twins with tamarin plushies, because why not lean into the twin magic?
“Twin pregnancies can be an exciting journey for families, but they often require added attention throughout pregnancy and delivery,” said Lucy Koneri, Director of Women’s Services at Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills. “Women expecting twins may need closer monitoring, along with extra support for hydration, nutrition, rest, and common symptoms like fatigue, heartburn, and back pain. Our goal at Methodist Healthcare is to help mothers feel informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.”
“The birth of these twins is an exciting moment for our team and for conservation efforts worldwide,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered, and every birth is a meaningful step forward in protecting and preserving this incredible species for generations to come.”
Visitors might catch a glimpse of the real stars riding piggyback on their parents as they grow stronger in the coming weeks.
Tiny, endangered and totally adorable, these twins are already making a big impact.