Roger Williams

PROVIDENCE – The Roger Williams Park Zoo is mourning the loss of Raff, a golden lion tamarin, who died earlier this month.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved golden lion tamarin, Raff,” the zoo wrote in a post on Facebook on Saturday.

Raff, 12, “passed away last week due to complications experienced during her pregnancy,” according to the post.

Raff was one of the first of her species of monkey to call the zoo’s rainforest habitat home when she arrived at the zoo in June 2018, zoo officials said. According to the zoo’s website, golden lion tamarins are typically found in the “south and eastern forests of Brazil from Bahia to Sao Paulo” and are classified as an endangered species.

According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, golden lion tamarins “can live up to 20 years or more in human care.”

“Raff was an extraordinary mother, maintaining the social order of her group while raising the beautiful chaos of her many offspring: Angus, Magnus, Boudicca, Archie, Leopold, twins Colin and Hildreth, and Nora,” the post said. “She was a remarkable ambassador for her species, connecting countless visitors with the wonder of the rainforest.”

According to the zoo, since Raff’s passing, the animal care team “has been closely monitoring her partner Kyle and her youngest children, Colin and Nora,” who will continue to receive “the highest level of care and support during this transition to ensure their ongoing health and wellbeing.”

“Raff leaves behind an incredible legacy and her presence will be deeply missed by the keepers, staff and visitors who grew to love her,” the post said.

Christopher Gavin can be reached at [email protected].