Maritime Aquarium Welcomes New Golden Lion Tamarin

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium recently announced the arrival of a new addition to its roster of animals and exhibits: a golden lion tamarin.

According to a news release provided by the aquarium, Harley, a 10-year-old male, can be found on the second floor of the Norwalk aquarium near the meerkats.

Harley joins Tonks, an 11-year-old female Geoffroy's tamarin, as a companion animal.

While they are similar in size, Harley's golden-orange coat and fluffy mane make him easily identifiable, according to the aquarium.

"We are thrilled to welcome Harley to the aquarium," Director of Animal Husbandry Rachel Stein said in a news release. "The team loves watching him explore his new habitat and interact with Tonks, our resident Geoffroy's tamarin. It's especially fun to see him open and close the doors on his nest box."

Golden lion tamarins are native to the Atlantic coastal regions of southeastern Brazil

Although they are endangered, they are considered a conservation success story after decades of conservation efforts helped their population recover from critically endangered status, according to the aquarium.

Harley came to the Maritime Aquarium from Zoo Atlanta in Georgia. Aquarium officials also noted he may not be visible at all times as he adjusts to his new home.