Marmoset Enrichment
What is enrichment?
Enrichment is an essential and important part of caring for our animals. Marmosets are incredibly social and intelligent, therefore they need environmental and social stimulation in order to be healthy and happy. All of our marmosets are housed in male-female pairs to enable social interaction (e.g. grooming, play, bonding, etc) and receive daily enrichment in the form of:
1. Cognitive testing: the marmosets enjoy playing games on a touchscreen computer which measures their cognitive performance as they age. The marmosets get a small banana milkshake reward whenever they solve a testing trial, and they are offered testing daily.
2. Food enrichment: The marmosets have a weekly schedule where different treats and items they love are hidden in objects and added to their normal, balanced meals every single day. On the left, Gabby is searching for nutrient-rich mealworms in a bowl of wood shavings. This foraging exercise occupies them and encourages natural behaviors. On the right, nuts & fruit are hidden in a basket!
3. Toys: The marmosets absolutely love to play. We use a variety of kong toys, balls, cat toys, wood sticks for chewing and objects which allow them to explore. They are very curious and enjoy the novelty!
4. Wood perches: Wood branches are put throughout the cage to enable the marmosets to climb, run and jump.
5. Hammocks: Every pair is given one or two large, fuzzy hammocks to sleep in, as well as a nesting box. They especially love when they get the hammocks with extra holes / pockets in them and can chase one another or hide from each other during play. On the bottom left, Xena is playing peek-a—boo in the pocket of her premium hammock. The less fuzzy, red hammock behind her is also used for sleep & play.
6. Connecting with people: The marmosets do form close bonds with our amazing animal care staff and researchers, and this is an important part of working with the animals. Building a trusting relationship with the marmosets is so important for their wellbeing & the research. We love our animals and naturally develop very close attachments to them. (Some marmosets even have their favorite people as well!) The quickest way to a marmoset’s heart is (1) marshmallows, (2) a calm, patient demeanor, (3) a tolerable, high pitch, “baby voice” and lots of attention.
