Chattanooga Zoo invites community to name Emperor Tamarin babies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two new additions to its animal family and inviting the community to help choose their names.

Two male emperor tamarins were born in October to parents Dolly and Parmigiano.

Known for their distinctive white mustaches, the tiny monkeys have already captured the attention of zoo staff and visitors.

Now, the zoo is giving the public a chance to take part in naming the pair.

The name options include Basil and Sage, Gouda and Havarti, or Monty and Addi, which are short for Montezuma and Atahualpa, two South American emperors.

Lacey Hickle, Director of Animal Care and Conservation at the Chattanooga Zoo, says the naming process is about more than just picking names.

“It is a great way to give us the chance to talk about these wonderful animals and their conservation status,” Hickle said. “It also allows us to share what they do in the wild and how we help protect them, while involving the community so when people visit the zoo, they know the animals’ names because they helped pick them.”

Community members can vote online with a three-dollar donation or cast their vote in person by visiting the baby tamarins’ enclosure and donating cash.

Voting will remain open through January 31.

Zoo officials say the pair of names that raises the most money will be selected, with all proceeds supporting animal care and conservation efforts.

The Chattanooga Zoo says it looks forward to announcing the winning names and continuing to share updates as the young emperor tamarins grow.

Click here to donate and vote online