In the early 1960s, the foundations for the rescue program of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), endemic to the state of Rio de Janeiro, were laid. At the time, there were about 200 monkeys left in the wild. Since 1992, this work has been led by the Golden Lion Tamarin Association (AMLD) and has a network of partners.

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Recognizing the critical situation of the species' habitat, the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve was created, the first storage unit of this category in Brazil. The conservation of species such as the golden lion tamarim, requires the identification of the factors that threaten its survival thus establishing the priorities to save the species from extinction.

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Very difficult for AMLD and scientists, educators, civil servants, conservationists and local communities is that there are now 3,200 Golden Lion Tamarin lions living freely. However, much remains to be done, as monkeys need a larger area of ​​forest.

In addition to forest restoration, with the planting of native trees of the Atlantic Forest and forest corridors, AMLD develops environmental education programs inside and outside Brazil.