Zookeepers at the Santa Barbara Zoo have announced the birth of a golden lion tamarin.
The new arrival, who is currently about the size of a C-battery, is the second birth of the endangered species for the Zoo.
“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to growing the captive population of GLTs,” said Sheri Horiszny, Director of Animal Programs, in a press release. “This also gives last year’s offspring a chance to learn how to care for a newborn, which helps prepare him for future offspring of his own.”
Zoo officials say the golden lion tamarin is among the most endangered mammals on earth. They say deforestation and habitat loss have left only a small number of the golden lion tamarin in Brazil.
The baby’s sex, weight and other medical details are currently not known, but will be when the little one is old enough to be checked out by a veterinarian.