Causes of mortality in captive Cotton-top Tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)

Cotton-top tamarins have been housed in captivity in the United States for over five decades. These animals initially were managed in biomedical and research facilities, and more recently have been kept in zoos as well. Although the causes of mortality in captive cotton-top tamarins have been a topic of investigation for biomedical colonies, they have not been addressed for the North American zoo population. In this retrospective study we review the causes of mortality in the AZA Cotton-top Tamarin Species Survival Plan (SSP)(C) population during 1997-2001 to assess current husbandry practices and assist in further developing effective husbandry and management programs for this endangered species. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.