Three Marmosets found living in “appalling conditions” in a parrot cage by an animal rescue charity have found a new home at a Scottish zoo.
The family of monkeys were uncovered thousands of miles away from their natural habitat in Brazil by staff from the New Arc in Aberdeenshire.
The trio, made up of mum, Mama, and siblings Mila and Mycroft, have since been transferred to a heated enclosure at Fife Zoo after a period of “rehabilitation”.
Rescuers said up to six of the animals were kept in the cage, which was exposed to the elements in a back garden, at any one time and branded the living situation “horrendous”.
However they are now enjoying specially constructed accommodation featuring specially selected plants, hiding spaces and climbing frames at the facility in Ladybank.
Fife Zoo’s director Mike Knight said the trio were now thriving after a “terrible start to life”.
He added: “Exotic animals such as marmosets do not make good pets and require specialist care to maintain their overall health and well-being.
“When we received the call from The New Arc, we were keen to offer our support and it was fortunate that we had the facilities available to provide the marmosets with a new home.
“The marmosets have a forever home here at the zoo and we will provide them with everything they need to have the best possible quality of life.”
Marmosets are commonly found in the jungles of North-Eastern Brazil and generally live in family setups of around eight to ten.
They feed on fruit and gum from native trees, as well as small insects.
