San Antonio, TEXAS — San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce the birth of cotton-top tamarin twins, born in late March of 2026. The tiny newcomers can be found bonding with their family troop in the zoo’s NEOTROPICA area.
While every new birth is a cause for celebration, the arrival of these twins is especially meaningful. Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered, with only about 6,000 individuals remaining in the wild due to habitat loss. Twin births are extremely common for cotton-top tamarins, with roughly 80% of births resulting in fraternal twins. Despite their rarity in the wild, twins are a natural and expected part of this species’ biology. Animal care teams closely monitored the mother throughout her pregnancy, which typically lasts between 140 to 180 days, using voluntary training techniques such as regular weight checks to ensure her health and wellbeing. Since twin births are the norm, the delivery process is generally similar to a single birth.
To mark the occasion, San Antonio Zoo is collaborating with Methodist Healthcare to highlight an interesting connection between cotton-top tamarin twin births and human twin pregnancies. While twin births are common for cotton-top tamarins, they are far less common in people. According to March of Dimes, 10,714 twins were born in Texas in 2024.
Methodist Healthcare delivers more babies than any other hospital system in San Antonio. To celebrate the moment, twins born at Methodist Hospital Westover Hills were photographed alongside twin cotton-top tamarin stuffed animals, creating a sweet visual connection between the zoo’s newest arrivals and growing families in San Antonio.
“Twin pregnancies can be an exciting journey for families, but they often require added attention throughout pregnancy and delivery,” said Lucy Koneri, Director of Women’s Services at Methodist Hospital Westover Hills. “Women expecting twins may need closer monitoring, along with extra support for hydration, nutrition, rest, and common symptoms like fatigue, heartburn, and back pain. Our goal at Methodist Healthcare is to help mothers feel informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.”
In a parallel display of caregiving, the entire cotton-top tamarin family group immediately stepped in to help care for the infants. The father and siblings take turns carrying the babies, giving the mother time to rest and recover — an essential behavior for the species.
"The birth of these twins is an exciting moment for our team and for conservation efforts worldwide," said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. "Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered, and every birth is a meaningful step forward in protecting and preserving this incredible species for generations to come."
Guests visiting San Antonio Zoo may spot the infants riding on the backs of their parents as they grow stronger and more independent in the coming weeks.