At Bioparc Fuengirola, nature is once again taking centre stage with the birth of a Goeldi's marmoset, an endangered species that has found a safe place for its conservation in the park. This is the result of the efforts of the park's team in its "ex situ" reproduction programmes, which are essential for the protection of endangered species.
The pair of Goeldi's marmosets, which arrived at Bioparc Fuengirola a few months ago, are part of the group of small primates that live in the recreation of Central and South America, the park's new habitat. The relationship between the baby and its parents is very positive, which reinforces the expectations of success in the care and development of this little baby. The relationship between the two is very special. The female carries the baby with her for the first two weeks and then the male carries it and returns to the mother to suckle, alternating the care between the two.
After a gestation period of around five months, the calf was born in perfect condition and is receiving all the necessary care. Specialists at the park are closely monitoring its development.
This birth is not only an achievement for Bioparc Fuengirola, but also a call to action on the importance of preserving species such as Goeldi's marmoset, which faces serious threats in its natural environment due to habitat loss and other human factors, usually gives birth to a single offspring, with double births, or rarely, triplets, being more common in other marmoset species.
For visitors, the arrival of this baby represents a unique opportunity to observe this species up close and connect with its history, highlighting the role that modern zoos play in global conservation. This milestone reinforces Bioparc Fuengirola’s commitment as a place where nature and education meet to inspire positive change.
An endangered species in need of urgent protection.
Goeldi's marmoset (Callimico goeldii) is a species of primate endemic to the western Amazon region, whose survival is increasingly threatened. Its distribution covers areas of Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, but its population in the wild is alarmingly small. According to recent estimates, there are only a few thousand specimens left in the wild, although the exact number is difficult to determine due to its discrete nature and the difficulty of monitoring.
This small primate species faces multiple threats in its natural habitat. The main one is the destruction of tropical forests due to deforestation, driven by human activities such as agricultural expansion, illegal logging and mining. In addition, its compact and attractive size makes it especially vulnerable to illegal wildlife trafficking, a problem that seriously affects wild populations.
Social communication of Goeldi's marmoset: a language among Amazonian trees
A resident of the dense Amazonian forests, the Goeldi's marmoset is a fascinating example of animal communication. This small primate uses a wide range of sounds, body language and behaviours to maintain social interaction that is crucial to its survival and well-being.
Among their most notable vocalizations are the so-called high-pitched calls and squeaks, which allow them to warn of possible dangers, or even express emotions such as excitement or stress. These vocalizations are especially important in their habitat, where the density of the forest makes direct visibility difficult. Up to seven different types of vocalizations are known, including some with which they communicate over great distances.
In addition to sounds, Goeldi's marmosets use body language to communicate. For example, physical contact, such as mutual grooming, reinforces social bonds within the group. This social behaviour is vital, as marmosets live in small family groups where cooperation is essential, particularly in caring for young.
