Ernie was five years old when he arrived at Jungle Friends on November 21, 2007 along with four other marmosets named Arnold, Gizmo, Marvin and Tuque. These boys were originally purchased by a research laboratory for iron toxicity studies; however, the lab found that marmosets were not good models for this study. Another investigator then wanted to 'use' them in schizophrenia studies! These boys narrowly escaped that fate. Fortunately for them, they were allowed to leave the lab and begin a new life at Jungle Friends.

Ernie lives with Arnold and Gizmo. Ernie is shy and is smaller than the other boys, but he doesn't let them push him around. His favorite treat is grapes and he is sure to get to the food bowl and get his fair share.