Members of the Chattanooga Zoo staff announced the selection of the name, “Maya” for the baby cotton top tamarin born earlier this summer.
With over 500 entries, the Zoo had plenty of names from which to choose. The winning entry was made by two different individuals.
The name Maya is associated with the Roman goddess of spring who gave her name to the fifth calendar month of the year, which was when this small monkey was born. Baby Maya’s parents are Columbo and Maggie, both first time parents.
The birth is especially important as cotton top tamarins are an endangered species and successful breeding is extremely rare, officials said.
The Chattanooga Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan program for cotton top tamarins. The SSP works to breed genetically healthy zoo populations of tamarins, and to save the valuable tamarin habitat through education efforts.
There are over 20 species of tamarins (along with their close relatives, the marmosets), with a variety in fur and coloration, especially on the head and face. They have long tails, soft coats, and weigh less than two pounds. Their expressive features enhance communication and recognition among the species. Between their intense eyes and stern-looking brows and the shock of white hair on their head, they have a “mad scientist” look that visitors find very entertaining. In fact, they are some of the most social animals around.
These animal ambassadors assist in sharing education about their plight and the survival of the South American rain forests.
Zoo Executive Director Darde Long said, “It’s wonderful to have a new baby at our Zoo and even more special to have one that is on the endangered species list. It speaks volumes to the special care our Zoo staff gives to our animals and I hope everyone will come out and see our newest animal ambassador.”