KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— A visit to Knoxville Zoo this Memorial Day weekend promises to be even more memorable with the arrival of two baby Geoffrey’s marmosets.  These adorable monkeys were born on April 30 to first-time parents Willow and Newton, who will share the responsibility of raising them.  They are out and exploring their exhibit, usually while being carried by one of their parents.


“These are the first marmosets born here in over five years, and we’re hoping this is just the beginning of a thriving family group,” says Lisa New, director of mammals and birds at Knoxville Zoo.  “Our marmoset exhibit was designed with that in mind, and with the arrival of these babies, it looks like we’re headed in the right direction.” 

Geoffrey’s marmosets are found in the rainforests of southeastern Brazil, and tend to live in family groups.  For the first few weeks, the offspring will rely heavily on their mother and will be carried by her most of the time, although their father may carry one or both of the babies when they are not nursing.  Geoffrey’s marmosets are threatened with extinction in the wild. 

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392A from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Beginning May 25, the zoo is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org

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