About Cotton-top Tamarins
Cotton-top tamarins are small monkeys that are best known for their white sagittal crest on top of their heads. They have reddish-brown coats and thick fur on their tails. Their chests and legs are white, and their faces are black. Like other members of the Callitrichidae family, cotton-tops have sharp nails, with the exception of the nail on their big toes.
Cotton-tops have high metabolisms, and need to regularly eat high-quality food. They prefer to eat food high in sugar or protein. During the dry months when fruit is less widely available, cotton-tops will eat more animal protein.
Cotton-tops are monogamous, and give birth to non-identical twins up to twice a year. Both parents provide infant care and carry the infant for the first 2-5 weeks of life. Juveniles reach independence at 15-25 weeks. Older offspring from the breeding pair will sometimes help care for infants.
Cotton-top Tamarin at the Akron Zoo
The cotton-top tamarins can be found at the Akron Zoo in the Primate Passage building. The brother pair came to the Akron Zoo in March of 2026.
- Clark – male, born Feb. 22, 2024
- Chestnut – male, born Feb. 18, 2025