Endangered Golden Lion Tamarin Born At Roger Williams Park Zoo

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

On Aug. 11, the zoo welcomed its newest baby, this time an endangered golden lion tamarin. The baby was born on Aug. 11 to father Kyle and mother Raff, and also has two siblings at the zoo in Angus and Boudica.

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, zoo officials said.

Zoo staff has not determined the baby’s sex yet.

Tamarins are squirrel-size monkeys with a golden ruff resembling a lion's mane, 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 one of 50 species we have here at the Zoo managed under the Species Survival Plan (SSP). The Zoo is one of 150 worldwide participating in the golden lion tamarin SSP," said Director of Animal Programs Amy Roberts.

Looking to give the baby a visit? Both mom and baby can be spotted in the Faces of the Rain Forest exhibit.