Exciting new arrivals at Darling Downs Zoo

THE Darling Downs Zoo is doing its bit to sustain the Australian population of a monkey breed for years to come.

The Darling Downs Zoo has welcomed red-handed tamarins. Picture: Contributed

THE Darling Downs Zoo is doing its bit to sustain the Australian population of a monkey breed for years to come.

The zoo said it had been busy seeking unrelated red-handed tamarins to import to Australia for many years to be able to restore the species in the country's zoos.

"Now we have three pairs that have successfully completed their quarantine period and are ready to go on display," the zoo announced.

The Darling Downs Zoo has welcomed red-handed tamarins. Picture: Contributed

"This species hasn't been seen in this country since the early days of this century."

The zoo said two pairs would stay on the Darling Downs while one pair had gone to Hunter Valley Zoo in Cessnock, New South Wales.

"More unrelated pairs will be imported as there are several more zoos interested in breeding these delightful little primates," the zoo said.

The Darling Downs Zoo has welcomed red-handed tamarins. Picture: Contributed

"Between us we will be able to sustain an Australian population of red-handed tamarins for many years.

"Just in time too, because wild populations are coming under increasing pressure from habitat loss as the world's human population inevitably keeps growing. Lucky for the animals that zoos are here to help them."

Originally published as Exciting new arrivals at Darling Downs Zoo