Smithsonian Farewell Geoffroy’s Marmoset, Lilo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 15, 2021 11:28 pm

Lilo the geoffroy’s marmoset is pictured with her long time partner, Edwin

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo have said goodbye to their last Geoffroy’s marmoset, Lilo. Unfortunately the 12 year old marmoset experienced an irreversible decline in her health which was related to her age. This caused vets to make the difficult decision to euthanize her.

Having reached 12 years old Lilo was considered geriatric for her species which typically lives just 7 years in human care.

Lilo has been a resident of the zoo since July 2017 and acted as an ambassador for her species alongside her late partner, Edwin.

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Lilo is described by the zoo as one of the ‘ sassiest and most expressive characters in the Small Mammal House.’

She was also a picky eater. When keepers provided food she didn’t eat she would occasionally raid the bowl of the screaming hairy armadillo, Amber with which she shared her home.

Keepers working in the enclosure were often “supervised” by Lilo and she would eagerly interact with them.

Learn more about Primates here – Primate Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on their website – Smithsonian’s National Zoo