Two tamarins were brought together following a partnership with European animal welfare organisation AAP
Tam, a three-year-old cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), and Belo, a golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), are now living together at Krazy World in Algoz following a collaboration with AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection, which rescues and rehabilitates exotic mammals that have been kept in unsuitable conditions, including animals from the exotic pet trade.
Tam was found wandering alone along a street in southern Spain, raising suspicions that she had either been abandoned or previously kept illegally.
After being taken to an animal shelter, the case was reported to the Spanish authorities and Tam was officially seized. Whilst a permanent solution was sought, she was temporarily housed in a crate intended for dogs, but her previous owner was never found.
AAP later took over her care and began looking for a suitable companion, as tamarins are highly social primates and prolonged isolation can affect their behaviour and well-being.
The search led to Krazy World, where Belo, another primate previously rescued by AAP, was also living without a companion.
The two have since been successfully introduced and now live together, allowing them to interact and display more natural social behaviours. The partnership also gives Tam a permanent home at Krazy World, which currently houses both cotton-top and golden-handed tamarins.
Krazy World said the case highlights the importance of cooperation between specialist organisations when caring for exotic animals rescued from illegal ownership, unsuitable conditions or abandonment.
“Only through collaboration between specialised organisations is it possible to provide them with the conditions and care they need to recover and live with dignity,” said the park.
The organisations also hope Tam and Belo’s story will raise awareness of the challenges associated with keeping exotic primates as pets, which have complex social, dietary and environmental needs that can be difficult to meet in a domestic setting.
Article originally publisehd by Inês Lopes on The Resident.
Follow Inside Algarve Magazine on Instagram and Facebook for more news!
Read also:
Arrebita Portimão Food Festival welcomes top portuguese chefs and producers
