Golden lion tamarins and sloths share new habitat at Palm Beach Zoo

West Palm Beach, Fla. — Golden lion tamarins and Hoffman's two-toed sloths have become unlikely roommates in a brand-new habitat at the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society. The enclosure, which opened in late August, features a thick canopy of trees to mirror the forests of South America and give both species space to move and interact.

The habitat includes a network of vines, ropes and tunnels designed to encourage exploration. The golden tamarins glide among the treetops, while the sloths hang from limbs and move at a slower pace. “Maybe the golden tamarins think of the sloth as more furniture because they don’t really do too much. They’re more sedentary,” said Devin Clarke, a senior supervisor at the zoo. “They like to sleep during the day, a little bit more active at night. So just watching, you know, like their couch walking around at night isn’t too scary for them.” The space is designed for close animal viewing and to spark a connection between visitors and wildlife.

Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The project follows conservation work that has expanded the golden tamarin population in the wild. In the 1970s, fewer than 200 golden tamarins remained in the wild. About 40 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums coordinated a plan to rerelease the species, and their numbers topped 5,000 as of last year, Clarke said. The tamarin habitat at the zoo was previously smaller; the new space aims to improve well-being and enrichment by giving the animals more room to behave naturally.

Native Florida plants are integrated into the habitat, a deliberate choice to highlight conservation efforts that visitors can emulate at home. “Planting those Florida native plants within that habitat is a great way to highlight something we can do at our own homes,” Clarke said. “Even if you have an apartment, just putting out a potted plant that’s a Florida native plant helps kind of revitalize the ecosystem that we have here in South Florida.”

Zoo president and CEO Margo McKnight said the project offers visitors a closer view of the species and aims to foster a broader appreciation for wildlife: “We hope to foster a love for wildlife in wild places, including our own backyards. We hope every person leaves inspired to be a wildlife hero in their own community.”