Media release
21 December 2011

Little monkey creates big interest

In early October Wellington Zoo welcomed a tiny new addition to its family of Pygmy Marmosets – the smallest monkeys in the world. The female baby monkey was just 14 grams when she was born and created quite a stir when she arrived – with visitors and staff alike excited about the new addition.

This week she was in the news again – with a Trade Me auction to name her raising more than $700 for the Zoo. The auction itself drew a lot of attention with nearly 70,000 views and more than a hundred name suggestions!

“We have been delighted with the response to our auction to name our baby Pygmy Marmoset” said Zoo spokesperson Kate Baker

“The auction did more than just raise money – it also provided us with a great opportunity to raise awareness of Wellington Zoo and the work we do at the same time as engaging with our visitors and fans – which is one of our favourite things to do”

The winner Wendy will be handing the special task of naming the tiny monkey to her family “we decided to bid for it as an unusual family Christmas present - we will discuss it and come up with a name each then pull the name from a hat”.

Once the family has decided they will get to meet the Wellington Zoo Keepers that care for the Pygmy Marmosets as well as getting to check out their enclosure from the inside.

ENDS

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