ATLANTA -- A pair of golden lion tamarin monkey twins were born at Zoo Atlanta this week, helping international efforts to save the rare animals from extinction.

Zoo Atlanta spokeswoman Keisha Hines said the twins were born Thursday to parents Robin and Theo. The infants, each estimated to weigh about 2 ounces, are the first offspring for Robin and Theo. The babies will begin appearing in public next week.

Atlanta is one of just two zoos in the country that allow tamarin monkeys to roam freely in trees outside their indoor habitat starting in April each year. The monkeys are tracked with radio collars.

The endangered monkeys -- similar in size to squirrels -- are named for the vivid orange manes framing their faces. Wild populations of the monkeys have been on the increase in recent years through a coordinated effort of zoos and conservation organizations.