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Gaja  (Ga​​-sha)

Date of Rescue:  September 13, 2023
Date of Birth:  June 22. 2023
Gender: Female
Species:  Black Tufted Marmoset
Diet:  Omnivore (includes fruits, veggies, insects, eggs, and specialized marmoset diet)
Lifespan:  10-12 years 
Annual Cost of Care: $3,000

Sponsor Me

  

About Me

I was born with three siblings, two brothers, too many babies for a marmoset mom to handle.  We were all rejected by our mom who ate our tails off and was not interested in being a mom to us. Our human took us away from our mom and bottle fed us until a safe forever home could be found. 
I have only a small tail left and am the smallest of the troop.  A marmosets tail is used for balance which means in the wild I would be disabled and likely not survive. 
Since marmosets are from Brazil, the Sanctuary has named me Gaja.  Its a brazil word meaning pretty little girl.  My coloring, small size, short tail, and personality has made me easily identifiable.  I am the smallest size so everyone thinks I am so cute, but I am also the biggest biter so watch your fingers and don’t trust me. I am going to grow up and be in charge of all these boys. Just wait and see.

Black Tufted Marmoset Facts

Black-tufted marmosets are tree-dwelling primates. They are found in the Cerrado savanna and transitional forests of Brazil in South America. They are New World Monkeys.

Black-tufted marmosets, when full-grown, are about 8 inches long, with a tail twice as long as their body. When full-grown, they weigh 8–12 ounces.

In the wild, they live in mixed-sex groups of up to 13 individuals with one dominant male and female. Only the dominant male and female produce offspring. Their diet includes fruit, veggies, gum/sap, and small insects/animals. In captivity it also includes a specialized marmoset diet to ensure proper nutrition. 

Black-tufted marmosets can catch colds and other human illnesses easily, like measles, chickenpox, cold sores, and even HIV. In fact, black-tufted marmosets can contract any illness that impacts humans. Thus, one needs to be extraordinarily cautious to keep away from cross-contamination. Some of our common illnesses can be a death sentence for a black-tufted marmoset.

Black-tufted marmosets are not currently threatened, but their habitat is being degraded at a fast rate. Black-tufted marmosets are used less frequently for medical experiments than common marmosets but are still exploited in some studies.

Black-tufted marmosets are sometimes captured and traded as pets. Though (sadly) popular as pets, they become difficult to control as they get older and are often abandoned or killed.

Black-tufted marmosets are wild animals and have very specific requirements that are difficult to meet in captivity. Human contact can in no way replace contact with other black-tufted marmosets. Black-tufted marmosets should not be pets or kept in captivity. If you want to see a black-tufted marmoset, please do so by visiting a reputable sanctuary.

How You Can Help

Wish List

Can you please help with our care and click on our wish list to buy specific items that we need?  Your purchases are tax deductible and very much appreciated. 

Sponso​r Me

The best way to help a sanctuary resident is to be a sponsor. Donations are tax deductible and will be used for our most pressing and critical needs. 

Animal Friend
$10 monthly or one-time gift of $100
-Social Media Shout Out

Kindness Keeper
$25 monthly or one-time gift of $250
-Social Media Shout Out
-Digital Adoption Certificate

Paw Protector
$50 monthly or one-time gift of $500
-Social Media Shout Out
-Digital Adoption Certificate
-Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus

Animal Hero
$100 monthly or one-time gift of $1,200
-Social Media Shout Out
-Digital Adoption Certificate
-Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus
-Business card size ad in our school yearbook

Wildlife Warrior
$250 monthly or one-time gift of $3,000
-Social Media Shout Out
-Digital Adoption Certificate
-Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus
-Business card size ad in our school yearbook
-School Campus Annual invitation with a private lunch

Rescue Champion
$500 monthly or one-time gift of $6,000
-Social Media Shout Out
-Digital Adoption Certificate
-Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus
-Business card size ad in our school yearbook
-School Campus Annual invitation with a private lunch

Sanctuary Savior
$1,000 monthly or one-time gift of $12,000
-Social Media Shout Out
-Digital Adoption Certificate
-Brick wall plaque at our main
-Business card size ad in our school yearbook
-School Campus Annual invitation with a private lunch