Turbo the cotton-top tamarin is 10 today and Alexandra Park Zoo staff celebrated her birthday this week with a special ‘cake’.
Sunday 27 September marks one decade for the cheeky monkey who entertains zoo visitors along with her mother Solita.
The gelatine ‘cake’ featured a mix of berried which zoo supervisor David Flack said contributed to a normal, healthy diet for Turbo the Cotton-top Tamarin.
And it certainly proved a surprise for Turbo who wasn’t entirely sure about the interesting creation at first but quickly warmed up to the idea.
“They tore the gelatine apart to get to the fruit,” David said.
“She was surprised but they both got in to it.”
In addition to marking the double-digit milestone for Turbo he said it was a wonderful enrichment opportunity for the animals.
“It’s always nice to see them doing something where they’ve got to investigate something new.
“We try to offer them opportunities where they can be exposed to a new novel experience.”
Zoo keeper Laura Billing created the birthday surprise for Turbo the cotton-top tamarin based on her favourite foods.
“Turbo loves her food and is very vocal when we bring her meals out,” Laura said.
Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered. Alexandra Park Zoo is part of the Australasian Species Management Program in an effort to promote their plight.
Read more about the cotton-top tamarins and watch them up close
here.
Alexandra Park Zoo is currently open Wednesday to Sunday, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Visitors are asked to follow social distancing requirements.
Entry to the zoo, including viewing the enclosure of Turbo the cotton-top tamarin, is free.
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