Audubon Zoo Celebrates Golden Lion Tamarin Day with New Babies

Audubon Zoo has two new reasons to celebrate Golden Lion Tamarin Day this year. Two adorable baby Golden Lion Tamarins were born at the zoo on Leap Year Day and can now be seen in a new exhibit along with their parents.

The youngsters are aptly named “Skip” and “Hops” in honor of their unusual birthday. These babies are the first set of offspring for parents Ipa (mother) and Picante (father).

In addition to being much smaller than their parents, Skip (male) has slightly darker markings on his tail than his sister, Hops. Golden Lion Tamarin dads frequently carry the babies and Picante is no exception. He is the largest of the group at Audubon Zoo and is often seen with Skip or Hops on his back as he moves around their home.

Golden Lion Tamarin Day is celebrated each August 2 to raise awareness of these endangered animals. They are one of the most threatened primates in the world and are only found in a small part of lowland coastal rainforests in Brazil. Their habitat is disappearing due to increased logging, agriculture and other industries in the area the tamarins live.

The pairing of Ipa and Picante was recommended by the Golden Lion Tamarin Species Survival Plan, which collaborates to increase the numbers of these animals in human care. At one point in the 1970s, there were fewer than 200 of these colorful animals left in the wild, but conservation efforts are helping those numbers rebound.

 Guests can find Skip, Hops and their parents in a new glass-front enclosure in World of Primates.  They are most active in the mornings but can be seen throughout the day exploring their new home at Audubon Zoo.