Cooler but still well above normal this week

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Shortly after the University of Minnesota welcomed two new coaches into their fold  — 

 for women's basketball — the Como Zoo and Conservatory welcomed two new babies into their emperor tamarins exhibit.

The twin tamarins were named after Motzoko and Whalen as "a tip of the hat, or perhaps a flick of the mustache" to the two new head coaches, according to a statement by the zoo.

While it's too soon to tell the gender of these, they join a trio of brothers — Fleck, Pitino and Chewbacca. Their siblings might help them get around, but in the first few weeks of life the babies' father will do most of the heavy lifting — carrying them on his back and handling many of the parenting responsibilities, except nursing.


Don't feel too bad though, the babies only weigh about 40 grams each, "about the size of a mini candy bar," the zoo said. At full size, the primates will only weigh about 1 pound, and will sport the signature mustache the species is known for.


The zoo also announced the birth of a snowy white Dall's sheep and the opening of the Summer Flower Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

Arts and Culture

Sara Porter

Author

The Como Zoo welcomed two new baby emperor tamarins earlier this month. Named after two U of M head coaches, Whalen and Motzko, are still growing in their mustaches.

It's twins! Como Zoo welcomes new emperor tamarins, Whalen and Motzko

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