Rare marmoset Ernie finds new home at Dartmoor Zoo after tragic loss

Dartmoor Zoo has welcomed a tiny but remarkable new resident this Easter; Ernie, a black-tailed marmoset, who has made his home at the Devon-based attraction. 

With fewer than 15 of these rare primates held in zoos worldwide, Ernie’s arrival is a big boost for the zoo’s conservation work.

Ernie came from Magdeburg Zoo in Germany with his brother. 

The pair spent 30 days in quarantine before meeting other animals at Dartmoor. 

Sadly, during this time, Ernie’s brother died from marmoset wasting disease, a little-known illness that causes rapid weight loss and intestinal problems.

The keeper team have been carefully watching Ernie’s health and wellbeing since then to make sure he was not affected by this sad start.

On 15 May, Ernie was introduced to Dartmoor’s white-faced saki monkeys, Phyllis and Splodge. 

The three quickly became friends.

Dartmoor Zoo’s CEO David Gibson said: “We moved Ernie in with our white-faced saki monkeys initially for companionship and they got on so well together than we decided he should stay with them! Ernie is now thriving and loving exploring his new outdoor enclosure. We’ve also agreed to bring a young female down from Scotland (Amazonia) to pair up with him later this year, hoping that they form a breeding pair.”

Black-tailed marmosets live in parts of the Amazon rainforest and are listed as near threatened by the IUCN. 

They are small, measuring 6 to 10 inches long and weighing 300 to 400 grams, with a distinctive black tail.

Ernie may be small but he is full of personality and has already become a favourite with staff and visitors at Dartmoor Zoo. 

Visitors can upgrade to an annual pass for unlimited visits to see Ernie and his new friends.