Baby animals at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium attract plenty of attention from visitors, but they are more than just cute faces.
In May, cotton-top tamarins Sarah and O'Brien welcomed two babies that have yet to be named. The growth of the family is notable because the species is classified as critically endangered, due in part to the deforestation of their native home forests in Columbia.
The births of these and other threatened animals — such as Wyoming toads, red-ruffed lemurs and more — are critical for repopulation.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Kansas City Zoo participates in programs such as the "Species Survival Plan" and "Save Animals From Extinction" to help protect endangered species through breeding, habitat preservation and public education.
The zoo's director of conservation and preservation, Stacia Pieroni, told Up To Date that their mission includes informing visitors that there is, in fact, hope for many endangered species.
“We see over a million visitors a year, and part of our job is to educate our guests on how they can help save wildlife and small actions right here in Kansas City, you can do that, and it’ll have a positive effect worldwide,” Pieroni said.
- Stacia Pieroni, Director of Conservation and Preservation, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
