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Edinburgh Zoo names newborn monkeys after Taylor Swift
Elf and Zecca will take turns looking after the twins, Taylor and Swift.
The cotton-top tamarins were born on 4 June.

Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed the birth of two critically endangered cotton-top tamarins – and has named them ‘Taylor’ and ‘Swift'.

The newborns’ names were inspired by the presence of the international pop singer in Edinburgh, as ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour’ arrived in the Scottish capital last weekend.

Taylor and Swift were born in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) conservation zoo on Tuesday, 4 June, to first-time mum Elf and dad Zecca. The family of four are now living happily together in Edinburgh Zoo’s primate zone.

Despite being tiny when born, baby cotton-top tamarins weigh up to 15-20 per cent of their mother’s weight.

A family unit of cotton-top tamarins will normally consist of two to nine primates.

Parenting duties will be shared between Elf and Zecca, as they take turns carrying the twins on their backs. Taylor and Swift are expected to become more independent at around five months old.

These rainforest-dwellers are critically endangered, as the species sees habitat loss around the world.

With population numbers decreasing, the conservation team are particularly excited about the new arrivals. It hopes that Taylor and Swift will encourage visitors to think about the threats facing wildlife, and consider the action that they can take to protect the environment.

Lorna Hughes, primate team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “It is incredibly exciting to welcome our newborn cotton-top tamarin twins, Taylor and Swift.

“Unfortunately, the species is one of the most endangered primates in the world due to extensive habitat loss, so this birth is really special.”

In honour of the cotton-top tamarins’ celebrity namesake, ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour’ attendees were offered discounted entry from 7 June- 9 June.

Image © RZSS

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.