Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 30th, 2026
•An endangered Golden Lion Tamarin named Leaf has recently arrived at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, becoming part of a crucial international effort to conserve this species. Leaf, a 13-year-old female, has made the journey from Chester Zoo to join resident male Demonio, thanks to careful planning under the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Breeding Programme (EEP). This programme plays a vital role in protecting endangered species by promoting coordinated breeding efforts across various zoos.
Importance of Breeding Programmes
Leaf is one of only 39 Golden Lion Tamarins residing in 13 zoos and wildlife parks across the UK. These numbers highlight the fragile state of the species, which is classified as endangered.
Dr Charlotte MacDonald, the Director of Animals at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, emphasised the significance of breeding these animals:
“Breeding this endangered species is important for the global insurance population.”
Golden Lion Tamarins are native to the Atlantic coastal rainforests of Brazil. Unfortunately, less than 10% of their original habitat remains due to deforestation and land development. This shrinking habitat has resulted in isolated groups of tamarins, which struggle to breed with one another. Additionally, diseases like yellow fever pose a continual threat, further endangering these vulnerable animals.
The arrival of Leaf is a hopeful step towards maintaining a genetically diverse population of Golden Lion Tamarins. She has settled in well and has been introduced to both Demonio and the other primates in the park's Amazonas reserve.
Golden Lion Tamarins: A Unique Species
These small primates are instantly recognisable by their striking golden-orange fur and distinctive manes. They possess expressive faces that can charm anyone who sees them. Golden Lion Tamarins were once on the brink of extinction, with wild populations dwindling to around just 200 individuals. However, conservation efforts over the years, including captive breeding and habitat restoration, have helped bring them back from the edge.
All Golden Lion Tamarins are owned by the Brazilian Government, which regulates their care and conservation. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is proud to care for these animals on Brazil's behalf, supporting both captive and wild conservation projects.
Conservation Work at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Greg Clifton, the Section Manager of Primates and Carnivores at the park, expressed excitement about Leaf's arrival:
“Welcoming Leaf is an exciting step forward for our primate team and our ongoing conservation work.”
He noted that by pairing her with Demonio, the park is contributing to a sustainable and genetically diverse population of Golden Lion Tamarins for future generations.
In the wild, Golden Lion Tamarins have unique sleeping habits. They prefer to sleep in different tree hollows and dense vines each night, which helps them avoid detection by predators. Conservation efforts focus on reconnecting fragmented habitats by planting forest corridors and working with local landowners in Brazil to protect the remaining rainforest.
Celebrating International Golden Lion Tamarin Day
To raise awareness about this remarkable species, Yorkshire Wildlife Park will celebrate International Golden Lion Tamarin Day on Sunday, 2nd August. The park will host a variety of themed activities in the Amazonas reserve, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the tamarins and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.
Activities will include educational talks about Golden Lion Tamarins.
Visitors can enter a raffle organised by the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation for a chance to win a Primates of South America Experience.
All proceeds from the raffle will support vital conservation work.
Guests will have the opportunity to see Leaf and Demonio in their habitat while learning about the international efforts to ensure the future of these endangered primates.
A Commitment to Conservation
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is dedicated to conservation, providing visitors with a close-up experience of some of the world's most beautiful and at-risk species, including Polar Bears, Black Rhinos, Giraffes, and African Painted Dogs. The park also features The Hex Wildlife Hotel and The Yorkshire Hive, a shopping, dining, and entertainment village, making it a perfect destination for families and animal lovers alike.
