An Iowa Zoo euthanizes 3-week-old cotton-top Tamarin. The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, has announced the move after discovering it is in poor health.

The infant was born on February 18, 2025, as one of two twins born to parents Kida and Eddie. It was found separated from its family, prompting immediate concern. Despite the veterinary team’s efforts, the young primate’s condition worsened.

As the Iowa zoo euthanizes 3-week-old cotton-top Tamarin due to health issues, this marks a sombre moment for the zoo, which welcomed the twins nearly a year after Kida’s first set, highlighting the challenges of caring for this critically endangered species.

Health Decline Prompts Euthanasia Decision

The Separation from the family was discovered by the zoo staff last week, an unusual occurrence for these social primates.  A zoo veterinarian examined the infant and noted declining health, with vital signs indicating a critical state.

Failed interventions, multiple evaluations and medical efforts were made, but the Tamarin showed no signs of recovery over several days.

The zoo stated, “Our veterinary team, in consultation with the chief animal officer, made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the infant,” prioritizing its welfare. The zoo then decided to make the difficult but human choice to put down the infant.

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Endangered Species Overview

Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are small monkeys native to Colombia’s tropical forests. They are recognized by their white hair crest from forehead to nape, greyish-brown shoulders, reddish thighs, and white underbelly.

They typically give birth to twins, but about 53% of infants don’t survive their first six months, a high mortality rate reflected in this case. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as critically endangered, with fewer than 2,000 left in the wild as of February 2020 due to deforestation and the illegal pet trade.

Zoos like Blank Park in Iowa contribute to their survival through breeding programs, though challenges persist, as seen with this loss.

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