The golden lion tamarin is a small, brilliant orange monkey of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. It has become a symbol of hope for conservation, rising from near extinction through decades of work.
Interesting facts
- Its bright orange mane gives it a lion-like appearance.
- Zoos around the world bred golden lion tamarins for reintroduction to Brazil.
- A yellow fever outbreak from 2016 to 2018 killed about a third of the population, prompting a vaccination programme for tamarins.
- A wildlife bridge over a major highway reconnects forests for tamarins.
- Fathers and older siblings carry and care for the babies.
- Twins are the norm.
Behaviour
Golden lion tamarins live in family groups of about 2 to 8, and sleep in tree holes at night. They use their long fingers to search crevices and bromeliads for insects and frogs.
Breeding and young
After about four and a half months, females usually give birth to twins. The whole family helps carry them.
Threats and conservation
Loss and fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest, disease and the pet trade.
Where to see it
- Poço das Antas Biological Reserve, Rio de Janeiro state
- Tours with the Golden Lion Tamarin Association (Associação Mico-Leão-Dourado)
- União Biological Reserve, Brazil
- Accredited zoos with breeding programmes
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
