The Brasília Zoo has welcomed a pair of critically endangered black lion tamarins (*Callithrix aurita*), native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. These primates were rescued from São Paulo state and are currently undergoing quarantine and veterinary care before their public debut.
The black lion tamarin is recognized as one of the world's most imperiled primate species, facing severe threats from habitat destruction and competition with invasive tamarin species. Conservation efforts, notably by the Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), have been crucial in improving the species' status from Critically Endangered to Endangered. These initiatives include habitat restoration, the creation of forest corridors, and community engagement, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to species preservation. IPÊ has restored over 12,000 acres of forest and established the Black Lion Tamarin Ecological Station, actively working to secure the species' future through population management and habitat restoration in São Paulo's Pontal do Paranapanema region.
Prior to their relocation to Brasília, the tamarins received thorough health assessments, including physical, laboratory, and imaging examinations, along with nutritional supplements, at the Center for Management and Conservation of Wild Animals (CeMaCAS) in São Paulo. CeMaCAS, a significant facility, handles approximately 60,000 animals annually, playing a vital role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of wild animals. The positive health outcomes confirmed by these examinations highlight the effectiveness of specialized centers in preparing animals for new environments.
The zoo's president underscored the profound importance of this sanctuary, viewing each animal's arrival as a conservation triumph and a reaffirmation of the zoo's commitment to care, education, and protection. Zoos contribute to conservation by housing and breeding endangered species, funding in-situ conservation programs, supporting research, and educating the public. The Brasília Zoo's role as a refuge offers hope for species facing escalating threats in their natural habitats. The arrival of these black lion tamarins serves as a potent reminder of the vital role of conservation initiatives in safeguarding vulnerable species and fostering environmental awareness.
A 2020 assessment indicated approximately 1,600 black lion tamarins in the wild, with a significant portion residing in the Morro do Diabo State Park. Ongoing efforts, including translocations to new forest fragments to prevent local extinction and enhance genetic diversity, demonstrate a proactive approach to species survival. These combined efforts, from specialized rescue centers to dedicated zoo programs and extensive conservation work in the wild, form a robust network of support for species like the black lion tamarin.