Animal Kingdom is unlike any other Disney World park — and that’s what makes us love it so much.

Part theme park, part zoo, and animal conservation center, what’s not to love? Some of our favorite snacks can be found in this park, not to mention killer rides, entertainment, and more. And now, there are two new reasons to visit Animal Kingdom!
Say hello to the newest Animal Kingdom residents! Two tiny, critically-endangered cotton-top tamarin monkeys have joined their parents in their new home on Discovery Island as of June. These little dudes only weigh about as much as a chicken egg and are just four inches tall!

These are the first cotton-top tamarins to be born at Disney World since 2001 — so the animal care team (and us!) are beyond excited to welcome them. It’s too soon to know if they’re male or female, so as of now they haven’t been named.
Cotton-top tamarins are considered a rare species — less than 7,500 remain in the wild. Having twins is relatively common for this type of monkey. The babies will depend on their families to survive and be carried around for as long as 14 weeks — and mom and dad are great parents already!

Here’s a bit more on the species, from Disney:
“Cotton-top tamarins are native to Colombia and typically found in the tropical forests of the northwest region of the country. These primates live high in the treetops and forage through the canopy for the fruits and insects that make up most of their diet. They are critically endangered because of the illegal pet trade as well as extensive deforestation and loss of habitat.”
When fully grown, the adult cotton-top tamarins weigh less than a pound and are around the size of a squirrel. This birth is an example of how Disney works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to “help ensure the responsible breeding of threatened species in managed care” and help create genetically diverse animal populations.

Disney also works with organizations like Proyecto Titi in Colombia, to help protect the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin. As part of Disney Planet Possible, the company has helped “more than 180 local farmers to establish conservation forest corridors, protect more than 5,500 hectares of forest, and plant more than 100,000 trees for cotton-top tamarins and other wildlife, helping connect more than 15,000 students with cotton-top tamarins and nature in Colombia.”

Make sure you head over to Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom if you want to see these two adorable little nuggets while they’re still tiny! We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for all things animals and more around Disney World, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest.
Check Out Another Baby Animal That Was Just Born in Animal Kingdom!
What’s your favorite animal to see at Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments.

Love beautiful miss dottie Belle in affection section…so many..miss lilly & zz
So
My favorite animal at the animal kingdom is the giraffes.