São Paulo zoo announces birth of two black lion tamarins

Born at the São Paulo Zoo were two black lion tamarins, a species considered extinct early in the 20th century. With these new tamarins, the zoo now has 35 animals of the species in captivity. According to the institution, in 2019 only 61 black lion tamarins were registered in captivity worldwide.

The birth took place in the zoo area designed for the breeding of four species of lion tamarins: the black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus), the golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), and the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia).

The offspring is being monitored, and fed with vegetables, fruits, and insects.

These animals are threatened with extinction due to the destruction of their habitat. A mere 1.4 thousand black lion tamarins are believed to exist in nature.