Loro Parque celebrates a crucial event for the conservation of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), the birth of two cubs in its facilities. This milestone not only represents a breakthrough in the protection of this emblematic endangered species, but also reinforces the zoo’s commitment to biodiversity and breeding programmes under human care.
The cubs, born in early March, are in excellent health and are being carefully cared for by their parents, a male from Heidelberg Zoo and a female from Copenhagen Zoo. These animals, which arrived ten years ago at Loro Parque’s Animal Embassy, now play a key role in the preservation of the species.
The president and founder of Loro Parque, Wolfgang Kiessling, has highlighted the importance of this birth ‘as the successful breeding of the golden lion tamarin in our facilities demonstrates that Loro Parque offers an optimal environment for breeding endangered species’, adding ‘we are proud to be part of a global effort in which zoos around the world work in a coordinated way to ensure the future of this unique species’.
This birth is part of a coordinated breeding programme with several zoological institutions and conservation organisations, ensuring the genetic diversity of the golden lion tamarin and contributing to future reintroduction projects in its natural habitat in the Atlantic forests of Brazil.
Since birth, the cubs have shown normal development, clinging to their mother’s fur, a typical behaviour for the species in their first weeks of life. With its distinctive golden fur and distinctive mane, the golden lion tamarin is a symbol of the fight against deforestation and illegal wildlife trafficking.
The birth of these tamarins represents hope for the survival of the species and a reminder of the importance of conservation work. Loro Parque continues to be committed to the protection of biodiversity and animal welfare, standing out as a world reference in the defence of wildlife.
