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Smithsonian's golden-headed lion tamarin twins named in celebration of late Thomas Lovejoy and Carmen Thorndike

Christine Huber & Brandie Smith
Smithsonian's golden-headed lion tamarin twins named after Thomas Lovejoy and Carmen Thorndike

Allow them to reintroduce themselves: meet golden-headed lion tamarins Tom and Carmen. The 8-month-old male twins recently received their names. Tom was named in memory of Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, renowned conservationist and member of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Advisory Board, and Carmen was named for Carmen Thorndike, Dr. Lovejoy’s longtime Director of Operations. Tom’s fur has a golden hue, and Carmen has a white patch on his tail.


Small Mammal House keepers say Tom is the more outgoing and curious of the two, while Carmen is shyer and more reserved. Both enjoy interacting with enrichment puzzle feeders, especially when they’re filled with worms, peas, mango, papaya and blueberries!


Tom and Carmen are the first of their endangered species born at the Zoo in 16 years. Less than 6,000 remain in Brazil due to deforestation. Learn more about these adorable creatures. 

 

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