Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 6: A four-year-old endangered species Marmoset female monkey died Friday hours after her one-day-old baby died at Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) Friday. Marmosets are believed to be world’s smallest monkeys.
The female monkey had given birth to a baby Thursday but the baby could not survive because of complications. The postmortem conducted by zoo veterinarians confirmed the
deceased monkey died of dystocia—difficultly in delivering baby.
“Marmosets are delicate creatures, especially the newborns. Only a few survive the first week. However, if they do survive, they are likely to have a long life. The baby who was born Thursday died because of deteriorating condition, the female ape died with another baby in her womb,” said one of the staffers.
Sources said marmoset monkeys need special care after birth. Though the zoo has got expertise but perhaps enough attention was not paid by the authorities which led to the death of the tiny animals.
According to experts, most marmosets are about 20 centimetres long and show some primitive features relative to other monkeys. The marmosets are native to South America. From the size point of view, one can hold a Marmoset with the help of a finger, said a zoo official.
Currently, the city zoo has two male and a baby marmosets.
Notably, two Marmosets (common marmoset and white ear marmoset) were purchased from a local firm and brought to the zoo December 29, 2013.
