(Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia)
of Adult:
Head/body length: 12 inches
Tail length: 14 inches
Golden Lion Tamarins get their name from their beautiful soft fur, which is gold from head to tail. The circle of hair around their faces resembles a lion's mane. When first sighted, during the voyage of Magellan, they were thought to be small cats that looked like monkeys, instead of small monkeys that look like cats. GLTs are among the 10% of mammals who are monogamous and mate for life. GLTs live in family groups of 3-6. Infant care is cooperative among the group, and the Dad does most of the carrying and caring for the infant who is returned to the Mom only for nursing. While still critically endangered, GLTs are the most successfully reintroduced species of all return-to-the-wild programs. GLTs are the symbol for Brazil's national conservation efforts; over 140 zoos and other institutions worldwide support the GLT Conservation Program.
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