A Rare Golden Monkey Baby Has Just Been Born at Newquay Zoo

A baby golden lion tamarin has been born at Newquay Zoo, the first arrival of the endangered species at the zoo in two years. The infant, born on the 17th of March to 13-year-old mother Missy and 16-year-old father Duoredo, is already turning heads with its tiny frame clinging to its parents’ backs as they move around their habitat.

Keepers say the youngster is doing well, though its sex has not yet been determined.

A Big Deal for a Species That Nearly Vanished

Golden lion tamarins are native to Brazil’s Atlantic coastal forests and came perilously close to extinction in the 1970s, when fewer than 200 individuals remained in the wild. Coordinated conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and international breeding programmes, have since brought the population back to around 3,000.

This birth is part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ex-situ Programme (EEP), which coordinates the breeding of threatened species across Europe.

Zoo keeper Laura Meredith said: “This is a really important birth for the species and a proud moment for the baby. Golden lion tamarins are incredible to watch as parents, with both adults sharing the responsibility of carrying and caring for the baby. Every birth like this plays a vital role in securing the future of the species.”

Go and See the Baby for Yourself

The new arrival can already be spotted riding on its parents’ backs in their habitat opposite the Penguin Pool, with the youngster expected to remain closely attached to mum and dad in the weeks ahead, so there is still plenty of time to head down for a look.

Newquay Zoo is Cornwall’s biggest zoo, home to over 130 species, and is operated by Dutch leisure company Libéma, which supports more than 30 active conservation projects worldwide. Together with Paignton Zoo in Devon, it welcomes around 400,000 guests each year.