Golden Lion Tamarin

Scientific Name: Leontopithecus rosalia

Order: Primates

Family: Callitrichidae

Conservation Status

About

Golden lion tamarins are named after their distinctive mane and vibrant golden orange color. The tree-dwelling monkey has one hallux or a big toe as a nail, combined with long toes and fingers, which helps they monkey to grab onto branches. These features also allow the monkey to rip apart tree bark in search of insects and spiders. The thumbs of a tamarin are not completely opposable, which prevents them from gripping objects very easily.

Golden lion tamarins are endangered due to deforestation and increased agriculture. It is estimated there are only 1,500 remaining golden lion tamarins in the wild. Elmwood Park Zoo participates in the golden lion tamarins Species Survival Plan, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Habitat HQ and Welcome Center

Arrived at EPZ: Rio and Sopressa - 03/14/2012 Devra and Jameson - 05/22/2024

Habitat & Range
The golden lion tamarin is native to Brazil. Over time, they have lost all but about 3% of their habitat and are now confined to three small areas in the tropical rain forests of Brazil’s east coast. Their preferred habitat is a forest containing many vines, bromeliads and fruit.
Identification
The golden lion tamarin’s name is derived from its bright golden orange pelage and the long hairs surrounding its face and ears, which resemble a lion’s mane. They typically measure about 10 inches tall and weigh less than 2 pounds. Perhaps their most distinctive characteristic is their long, non-prehensile tail, which can measure up to 15 inches.
Diet
Golden lion tamarins are omnivores that feed on fruit, insects, eggs, and small lizards. They are known to share food among family members.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Mating season is largely dependent on rainfall. Mating is at its highest at the end of rainy season which falls between March and June. Golden lion tamarins are monogamous creatures, even when the male to female ratio is uneven. Gestation lasts 4 months and results in a litter of 2 to 4 infants. The lifespan of a golden lion tamarin is estimated at 15 years in the wild and over 20 years in captivity.
Fantastic Fact
Golden lion tamarins live in family groups that consist of one breeding adult male and female and their offspring. Groups contain up to 8 members that harmoniously work together in feeding, protection against predators and rearing of the infants.

Golden Lion Tamarin

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact