Meet Shyla and Raf
Introducing our two newest Cotton Top Tamarin monkeys, Raf (aged 7) and Shyla (aged 11). Housed in a new purpose-built exhibit outside in Kiwi Forest, new couple Raf and Shyla will be setting up home together and hopefully start breeding. The monkeys were re-homed from Australia as part of an International breeding programme that Butterfly Creek are part of. Raf and Shyla are a cheeky pair of monkeys and full of monkey antics so come along and see them play.
The Cotton-top Tamarin, which was once found in a number of Central American countries, is now found only in the rainforests of North Western Colombia. There are more than 20 species of Tamarin (and their close relatives Marmosets) with much variety in fur and colouration, especially on the head and face.
Cotton Top Tamarin encounter – get up close
Come along to our Cotton Top Tamarin encounter at 12pm each day where you will see Shyla and Raf interacting with one of our keepers – to see more information about our Daily encounters click here. If you want a special, up-close experience with our two resident Cotton Tops, check out our private encounter. You will be guided around their enclosure alongside one of our experienced keepers and even get the chance to hand feed them!
Private Cotton Top Tamarin encounter
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PRIVATE COTTON-TOP ENCOUNTER CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE – Monkeys are highly susceptible to catching covid-19 & we have decided to stop private cotton-top encounters for the time being to help protect them against the virus. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Cost
$90 per person (includes all day park entry) – book for 2 & get a 5% off!
Participants
Maximum of 2 people per encounter. Enclosed shoes must be worn.
Duration
Allow up to 30 minutes.
Age
7+, if you’re between 7 & 13 years old you’ll need to have someone 16 years or over (booked & paid) with you on the encounter.
Time
10:30am every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (please arrive at our shop 10-15 minutes before your encounter.)
Bookings
Must be booked at least 1 week in advance. Get in touch if you want to book more than one encounter on the same day [email protected]
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COTTON TOP TAMARINS