Golden Lion Tamarin

A Golden Lion Tamarin sits on a tree limb at the Audubon Zoo.

Animal's Behavior
Golden Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) live in family groups with the father as the primary caregiver. They sleep in tree hollows and vines in a family unit for protection against predators and to conserve body heat.

Eating Habits
They’ll eat almost anything – some fruit, vegetation, eggs, and some small reptiles.

Range
They live in coastal rainforests of southeastern Brazil, which have been reduced to about 2% of their former original size.

Conservation Efforts
Their range is a series of protected rainforests, reserves and preserves. Reintroduction efforts are hampered by disappearing habitat.

Animal Facts
These monkeys are distinguished by a bright orange or red mane around the face that gives them a lion-like appearance. They weigh less than two pounds and can live up to 20 years in zoos – although their life span in the wild is 10 – 12 years.