Twin Golden Lion Tamarins Born At Roger Williams Park Zoo In Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI — You like small, cute animals? Well, folks, Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence has some news for you.

On April 26, the zoo welcomed its newest babies, this time twin golden lion tamarins — an endangered species. The twins named Hildreth and Colin were born to father Kyle and mother Raff, and also has three siblings at the zoo: Archie, Raff and Kyle.

Tamarins are squirrel-size monkeys with a golden ruff resembling a lion's mane, according to zoo officials.

The baby clings to its mother for the first few weeks after birth, and nurses for 90 days. Babies begin to experience things independently at about five weeks, according to zoo officials.

The species is native to the tropical forests of Brazil, and finds itself on the "Endangered" list on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List. Zoo officials say this can be largely credited to the "destruction of ninety percent of the Atlantic coast's forests for logging and development."

"Golden lion tamarins are a critically endangered species, so every birth of a healthy baby is incredibly significant and a conservation win," a zoo spokesperson said.

Looking to give the babies a visit? The whole family can be spotted in the Faces of the Rain Forest exhibit.

See video of the twin baby golden lion tamarins and their mother here.