The Wonders of God’s Creation
If you think monkeys in the zoo are interesting, you would really enjoy seeing the toy-like marmosets in the rain forests of Central and South America. These are true monkeys, but much smaller than the more common ones. With few exceptions, a full-grown one is only about the size of a small kitten, but at first glance their long furry tails make them look nearly twice as big.
They are quite appealing creatures, with small round faces surrounded by a long cap of white hair. The rest of their fur is a variety of colors. Their food is fruits, insects and the green stems and leaves of shrubs and trees.
Unlike most animals, the baby marmosets are cared for mostly by their fathers. It is common to see a tiny one clinging to its father’s back as he scampers through the trees, but at feeding time it goes back to mama.
There are many varieties, one of which is known as the golden marmoset because of its bright, silky, golden hair. It is a truly beautiful little animal. But perhaps the most graceful of all is one called silky. Its fur also has a golden sheen, but is more chestnut in color.
The smallest marmoset is understandably named the pygmy, being only about the size of a big mouse. Its lovable appearance includes long, soft hair behind its ears, draping over both sides of its head like an expensive cape, almost hiding its pretty face and large mouth. The rest of its fur is rather dark, and its long tail is circled with light-colored rings. Many people consider the pygmy marmoset the prettiest of all monkeys, large or small.
Another, almost as small, is called the buffy-headed. Its light-brown face, inquisitive dark-rimmed eyes and black chin whiskers account for its name. This one’s heavily furred arms and legs are dark or light brown or sometimes blackish. The buffy lives in small groups apart from the others, and it is difficult to get more than a quick glance at one as it scampers through the lower branches of the deep jungles of Brazil where it makes its home.
It’s nice to know they are always under the Creator’s care, as the Bible verse tells us: “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalms 145:99The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. (Psalm 145:9). Have you ever thanked Him for His more-special care for you and His love in providing a way of salvation for you if you will accept Him as your Saviour? “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13).
ML-03/26/1989