This pint-sized primate species has come a long way thanks to the work of conservation zoos around the world.

But saving wildlife from extinction is a big job – so we collaborate with our global zoo colleagues on a breeding program to always keep Golden Lion Tamarins a leap ahead!
 

Swinging back!

In the early 1970s, there were only around 200 Golden Lion Tamarins left in the wild.

Thankfully, the Smithsonian National Zoo brought zoos together to breed the species and re-introduce them back to their native habitat in Brazil.

Because of this HUGE conservation effort, Golden Lion Tamarins were upgraded from critically endangered to endangered in 2003, with more than 2000 in the wild in 2024!

Had conservationists not stepped in, we likely would have lost these vibrant, tiny monkeys forever.

Now, almost one third of their population in the wild are the descendants of tamarins born and raised in zoos.

Lyra and Ross

Our resident Golden Lion Tamarins, Lyra and Ross, are a mated pair and they have BIG personalities for such tiny monkeys. 

Ross is a very bold little gentleman, and loves to take the lead. Lyra on the other hand, approaches life with a relaxed grace!

She's super smart, and excels in her behavioural enrichment training, like learning to hop comfortably into a transport crate.

As Lyra and Ross approach their 'golden' oldie years, our expert animal carers keep a close eye on their health! This training allows our team to safely and calmly transport the pair to our veterinary hospital for regular check ups, to keep Lyra and Ross in tip-top shape!
 

Leap into action

More than just an adorable orange face, these tamarins shows the good work zoos can do, and the real change we can make.

While it’s important to celebrate how far this special species has come, the work isn’t over!

Their continued survival depends on restoring their habitats in Brazil, so tamarin numbers can thrive.

That’s why our sweet Lyra and Ross are important ambassadors for their cousins in the wild.

We hope people will fall in love with them just as much as we have, so we can continue to save our primate pals together!

Lyra and Ross are living in our Primate Trail with our Red-rumped Agouti, so be sure to stop by and say howdy doody!

You might be lucky enough to hear their precious calls and chirping sounds!