FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/19/25

Critically Endangered Pied Tamarins Arrive in Fargo

FARGO, ND — The Red River Zoo is proud to announce the arrival of two pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor), a critically endangered new world monkey species. With this exciting addition, the Zoo becomes one of only seven in the United States caring for this rare and remarkable primate.

The tamarins, named Noah and Peanut Butter, are currently completing a standard quarantine period in the Zoo’s Discovery Center.

“This is an incredibly exciting addition for our zoo,” said Sally Mulvena, President and CEO of the Red River Zoo. “Pied Tamarins have an important conservation story, and we are excited to share it. Noah and Peanut Butter have big personalities packed into tiny bodies, which makes them unforgettable ambassadors for rainforest conservation.”

Native to a small region near Manaus, Brazil, pied tamarins face severe threats from habitat loss, urban development, and competition from other tamarin species. Their wild population is projected to decline by as much as 80% over the next 18 years.

Despite their tiny size—adults weigh only about one pound—pied tamarins are agile, intelligent, and highly social. They rely on a rich range of chirps, whistles, and trills to communicate and strengthen social bonds within their group.

Their arrival at the Red River Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan®, a cooperative conservation program dedicated to preserving the genetic health and long-term survival of endangered species in professional care.

The Red River Zoo will share updates on Noah and Peanut Butter’s progress, as well as their eventual move to their permanent rainforest habitat, on its social media channels.