The Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is a mammal in the Callitrichidae family of small monkeys. It is also known as the Golden Marmoset. It is from the coastal and swamp forests of Brazil.
The Golden Lion Tamarin has bright reddish-orange fur with a mane around its face and ears. Its face is dark and hairless. It has elongated hands and fingers, with claw-like nails which enable it to cling to tree trunks.
It grows to about 26 centimetres (10 inches) tall.
The female is pregnant for 120 days before giving birth to 1-2 young. The babies cling to their mother’s back.
The photographed Golden Lion Tamarin mother has two babies. They are twins, born on 24 April 2020, and are almost two months old.
For the first month after birth, the babies stay continually with their mother. By week five, the babies begin to explore their surroundings while staying close to their mother. After four months, the babies will become juveniles, and will become more social and playful with each other.
[Location of photographs: Paris Zoo, France]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM