Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center Adds Three New Adorable Members To Its Family

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center has recently added three new members to its family, Zephyr, an eight-year-old Geoffroy’s Marmoset and her two-year-old twins, Queso and Ricotta. Also known as Tufted-ear Marmosets, these small New World Monkeys are commonly found in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforests living in groups with up to 10 members. Each weigh in at about one pound.

Zephyr, Queso, and Ricotta were donated to the Aquarium by the University of Nebraska, where they were observed for their breeding habits by scientists. The threesome is now on display as an extension of the aquarium’s Amazon Rainforest exhibit.

Wild Geoffroy’s Marmosets are currently classified as vulnerable, but stable, because of habitat loss and the slow destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Normally, these miniature monkeys spend their days in trees as high at 1,600 feet and nuzzle up in tree holes and other nooks as night.

The aquarium’s training staff is excited to work with these furry friends, keeping them stimulated with enrichment routines, and providing toys stuffed with carefully hidden treats.

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center is located at 431 East Main Street in Riverhead. For more information, call 631-208-9200 or visit www.longislandaquarium.com.