Stone Zoo Welcomes New Furry Faces
Visitors at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham will notice a few new faces around the park this summer, including a male Matschie’s tree kangaroo, six cotton-top tamarins, and straw-colored fruit bats.
These cute little critters will be on display in the newly renovated Windows to the Wild exhibit, currently home to Caribbean flamingos, hyacinth macaws, and prehensile-tailed porcupines, to name a few.
Six cotton-top tamarins will also join the zoo.
John Linehan, president and CEO of Zoo New England (which manages Stone Zoo along with Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo), said he is thrilled to bring the new animals to their family. This is the first time the zoo has acquired these species.
“Guests will delight in visiting with these fascinating new additions,’’ said Linehan in a press release.
Stone Zoo also welcomed a new American alligator at the end of May.
The Matschie’s tree kangaroo, native to the Huon Peninsula in northeastern Papua New Guinea, is known for living in the tropical forests. Guests can witness him wrapping his arms and legs around branches, hopping with his hind legs, and showing off his red, brown, and tan fur.
Cotton-top tamarins are tiny and some might say a bit funny looking. But their little faces are also endearing. Originally from the tropical northwestern Colombia, they have a long white crest of hair stemming from the forehead to the nape and flowing over their shoulders.
A close-up of the straw-colored fruit bat.
Also joining the zoo are the straw-colored fruit bats. These bats come from the forests and savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. While they are nocturnal, visitors may be able to catch a glimpse at these creatures, which have wings up to three feet long (yikes!).
You have to admit it. These little guys are pretty adorable.
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