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

Arrived at EPZ: Rio and Sopressa - 03/14/2012