Golden Lion Tamarin

Golden Lion Tamarins are named for the long golden fur that frames their dark faces like a mane. Their bodies are small and lightweight, usually weighing between 17 and 24 ounces. Their heads and bodies measure about 6 to 10 inches long, with tails that can reach 12 to 15 inches. Males and females look very similar. They have long fingers, narrow hands, and agile feet that help them move easily through the treetops.

Golden Lion Tamarins live primarily in the treetops of tropical rainforests. They are native to the Atlantic coastal rainforests of southeastern Brazil, where they spend most of their lives climbing, foraging, and sleeping in tree hollows.

Golden Lion Tamarins are omnivores. Their diet includes fruit, flowers, insects, nectar, tree gum, bird eggs, and small vertebrates. They spend much of the day searching for food among branches, bark, and leaves.

Golden Lion Tamarins are highly social animals that live in small family groups. Each group usually includes a breeding pair, their young, and sometimes other relatives. Females typically give birth to twins after a gestation period of about four and a half months. Infants are born fully furred with their eyes open and spend their early weeks clinging to adults. While all group members help care for the babies, the adult male often carries them the most. Young tamarins begin exploring on their own after a few weeks and are usually weaned by about 3 months. Golden Lion Tamarins live about 11 years in the wild and around 15 years in human care.

Golden Lion Tamarins rely heavily on group living to survive. They groom one another, communicate frequently, and young tamarins often spend time chasing, wrestling, and playing as they grow. These strong family bonds are an important part of how they navigate life in the forest.

Endangered