Visitors to Reaseheath College’s popular Lambing and Zoo Weekends have helped to name recent arrivals to Reaseheath Mini Zoo – three female emperor tamarins who are settling into their new home.

During the family event at the Nantwich-based college, members of the public had the chance to vote for their favourite names, and the lively trio now have some particularly recognisable ones – Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles. Sharing their names with the iconic Powerpuff Girls, these tiny primates may not be fighting crime, but they’re certainly stealing hearts

Blossom and Buttercup, both six years old, and Bubbles, almost 16 years old, arrived at Reaseheath in December 2024 from Cotswold Wildlife Park and after a short stay in temporary accommodation were introduced to their purpose-built, jungle-themed enclosure last month. With the spring weather now starting to warm up, the curious group has started to explore their outdoor habitat more frequently, but due to their small size, they need to be cautious in colder temperatures, so they may only be seen outside on warmer days.

Zoo Manager Kerri Robson said: “We’re thrilled to see our emperor tamarins settling in so well and exploring their new home. It’s fantastic that our visitors had the opportunity to name them, and Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles suit them perfectly.

“These tamarins are a wonderful addition to our collection, and they will also provide an incredible learning opportunity for our students. Working closely with them will give our learners hands-on experience in primate care, enrichment, and conservation, helping to prepare them for future careers in the zoological and conservation sectors. We hope the tamarins will not only inspire visitors but also support our students in developing essential skills for the industry.” 

Emperor tamarins are easily recognisable by their distinctive moustache-like facial hair, which resembles that of Chinese emperors. The three females are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and, while currently an all-female group, there may be a recommendation in the future to introduce a male for breeding. 

In the wild, emperor tamarins face serious threats due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Many are taken from their natural environment and sold as pets, often kept in unsuitable conditions that lead to severe health and behavioural problems.  

Native to the jungles of South America, emperor tamarins play a vital role in their ecosystem. As omnivores, they eat plants and insects and contribute to reforestation by spreading seeds through their diet. 

Reaseheath College is proud to be a BIAZA-accredited institution, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in animal management and conservation. The accreditation process is rigorous, involving industry expert screenings, detailed questionnaires, and documented evidence. This ensures that animal care at the college goes above and beyond the zoo licensing requirements in the UK and Ireland, meeting the world-class standards set by BIAZA. Students benefit from learning in an environment that upholds these high standards, providing them with exceptional hands-on experience in conservation and animal welfare.

Visitors can see Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles in their new home at Reaseheath Mini Zoo and learn more about these fascinating primates. With over 150 species, Reaseheath Mini Zoo is a perfect day out for all the family. Set in the scenic rural grounds of the Nantwich-based college, the zoo is open most weekends and school holidays from 10am to 4pm. Please check the website for opening dates ahead of your visit: www.reaseheathzoo.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-and-prices