We are delighted to announce the birth of twin Golden Lion Tamarins. With an estimated population of only around 1000 left in the wild, Golden Lion Tamarins are one of the most endangered monkey species in the world.

Born as part of an important breeding programme to increase the European population of Golden Lion Tamarins, the twins increases Marwell’s family group to nine. The babies are yet to be sexed.

During the 1970s the Golden Lion Tamarins future looked uncertain. It was generally believed that as few as 200 Tamarins remained in the wild. Recent conservation work, including re-introducing captive born Tamarins and the successful re-location of existing wild populations, has resulted in the significant increase in the wild population.

Today, the greatest threat to the animals is destruction of their natural habitat in Brazil. Conservation efforts are addressing this problem with effective management of the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve and a new protected area, the União Biological Reserve.

David Schofield, Head keeper and section manager for the Tamarins said: “The twins are an important addition to the world’s population of these endangered monkeys, helping to safeguard their continued survival.”

The Marwell twins, along with their mum are doing extremely well. They can be seen out and about with the rest of the family in their brand new walk through enclosure in the zoo’s recently opened Encounter Village.

Marwell Zoological Park has been involved in helping increase numbers in the wild. Between 1989 and 1995, six genetically important Marwell bred Tamarins were released back to their native home of the subtropical forests in Brazil.

Images kindly provided by Marwell Photographic Group / Paul Dawson-Plincke & Bill Hall

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