This pygmy marmoset loves her toothbrush massages

ByRachel Schwartz KGO logo
Friday, November 21, 2014
Ninita is the only known deaf pygmy marmoset, which are the smallest monkeys in the world and at birth are smaller than a human thumb.
Rare Species Conservatory Foundation

Everyone needs a best friend in life and from the look of it, Ninita the pygmy marmoset has found hers in the form of a toothbrush. Watching the tiny monkey bliss out as her caretakers massage her fur is too cute.

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Pygmy marmosets are the worlds smallest monkeys. At birth, they weigh just 15-20 grams and are smaller than a human thumb. Ninita, who is the world's only known deaf pygmy marmoset, was rejected by her parents just after birth. Her caretakers at the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida raised her using a stuffed animal as a surrogate.

As for the toothbrush, the bristles mimic the feeling of marmoset parents' fingernails as they groom their young. The toothbrush massages convey affection and positive reinforcement, according to the RSCF.

Although she started off life as a special needs monkey, the RSCF is happy to say Ninita is now fully socialized and lives outside with the rest of the pygmy marmosets. She does, however, still enjoy an occasional toothbrush massage.

Learn more about pygmy marmosets and the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation at rarespecies.org.

Photos used with permission.

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