ROME, March 4, 2026 – The Biopark of Rome is celebrating the arrival of two Emperor Tamarin twins, born on February 19th. These tiny primates, known for their distinctive white mustaches, are a welcome addition to the park’s collection. The parents, Sissi and Franz, are providing constant care for the newborns, whose sex has not yet been determined. Their older sister, Sofi, born to the same pair in 2021, is also observing the new arrivals.
Paternal Care Crucial for Survival
Paola Palanza, an ethologist and professor at the University of Parma, who also serves as the President of the Biopark of Rome, highlighted the unique parenting dynamics of Emperor Tamarins. “This is a monogamous primate species,” Palanza explained. “Both parents care for the newborns, but the father, in particular, cradles and carries them on his back, only handing them over to the mother for feeding.”
Palanza further elaborated on the mother’s role: “The mother appears to almost ignore the young, busy cleaning herself and especially eating. Pregnancy and breastfeeding two twins require a great metabolic effort for such a small animal, and the mother alone would not be able to raise them. In this species, it is essential for the father to be present and care for the newborns, who otherwise could not survive.”
She added, “In mammals, monogamy and paternal care are very rare, occurring in less than 5% of species, including humans, and have evolved where the care of both parents was essential to ensure the survival of the young. When paternal care exists, particular brain mechanisms also evolve in the male that favor the bond with the partner and with the children. In particular, the distribution of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors, often called love receptors, changes.”
The Emperor Tamarin: A Name with Royal Origins
The Emperor Tamarin derives its name from its long, striking white mustaches, boldly curled upwards, reminiscent of those sported by royal and imperial figures of the past. Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, who famously sported a similar mustache, inspired the playful moniker “emperor” for the species. The name proved so popular among zoologists that it became permanent.
Weighing approximately half a kilogram, Emperor Tamarins belong to the large family of Callitrichidae (from the Greek: “one with beautiful hair”), which includes 42 species distributed throughout the forests of northwestern Colombia. These species are severely threatened by deforestation and climate change.
Conservation Efforts at the Biopark
The birth of these two Emperor Tamarin twins underscores the Biopark of Rome’s commitment to conservation and the protection of endangered species. The park actively participates in European breeding programs aimed at preserving biodiversity and raising awareness about the challenges faced by these unique animals in their natural habitats.
The Biopark encourages visitors to witness the new additions and learn more about the Emperor Tamarins and other species under their care. Educational initiatives are in place to inform the public about the importance of conservation and sustainable practices to protect these vulnerable populations.
The Biopark of Rome remains a vital center for research, education, and the preservation of wildlife, contributing to global efforts to safeguard our planet’s rich biodiversity.
