Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo

Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$18 adults, $12 children
 

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Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$18 adults, $12 children
 

View All Rates ›
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Golden-headed Tamarin

Scientific Name:

Leontopethicus chrysomelas 

General Information:

Golden-headed tamarins are active throughout the day. They spend their time eating, playing, grooming and traveling. They live in small groups of 4-5 and usually stay in close contact, including nesting together at night. 
 
A tamarin’s diet consists of mainly fruit, but they will also eat insects, small vertebrates, nectars and occasionally flowers. 
 
Tamarins usually give birth to 1 or 2 babies, twins are very common. The young depend on care from the family group for 3 to 5 months with the adult male doing much of the work in order for the mother to search for food.

Size:

Length: Head and body – 10 inches, Tail – 14 inches
Weight: 1.3 – 1.6 lbs 

Habitat and Range: 

The Golden-headed tamarin is found in the southern state of Bahia in Brazil. They are the northern most species of lion tamarins. Golden-headed tamarins live in the tropical deciduous rainforests, often in the same areas used for cocoa cultivation. Chocolate production is helpful to the tamarins because they live in the trees that provide shade to the cocoa plants.

What to look for:

These tamarins are well named for their lion-like mane around their hairless faces. The Golden-headed tamarin has small, claw-like nails unlike humans and other primates that have flat nails. Their claws assist them in climbing, grasping branches and grabbing small insects for food. Golden-headed tamarins use clucks, ticks and whining noises to communicate with their family group or nearby families.

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