There’s a holiday in Colombia that strives to raise awareness for a critically endangered monkey that lives exclusively in their rainforests. The Day of the Cotton-top Tamarin took place on August 16th, 2018 and Cast Members from Disney’s Animal Kingdom were there to celebrate and show support.
For years, Disney has been sending Cast Members to South America to support the conservation group Proyecto Titi. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to field research, scientific assessments and community outreach all in support of the Cotton-top Tamarin.
Two keepers from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Alejandra Aramburo and Jackie Buckley recently returned from Colombia where they worked with Proyecto Titi’s educators on their community education and engagement programs. These programs help reinforce national pride in the cotton-top tamarins, educate locals on the best ways to support the tamarins’ survival and build respect for the environment of the tropical forests where the animals live.
Jackie Buckley, who is part Colombian finds this opportunity very rewarding. It gives her a chance to help native wildlife in a country that means so much to her and her family.
Both Alejandra and Jackie remarked on the kindness of the locals and the strong sense of community they felt, even in the smallest of towns. The experience of making a significant contribution to conservation and working with people they may never have met otherwise was life-changing for both of them.
“I was super-thankful for the opportunity,” Jackie said. “I feel like I’ve grown as a person, as a trainer and as a conservation educator…I want more people to experience this and to be able to tell more guests about it.”
Another way Proyecto Tití supports cotton-top tamarins is by helping develop sustainable programs to generate revenue for the community so that locals can reduce their dependency on forest products. For example, local artisans crochet eco-mochila purses, totes and bracelets from plastic bags that may otherwise end up littering the forest. These are sold online and at the Walt Disney World Resort, which is helping boost the economy of the locals who live near cotton-top tamarins. It’s also helping clean the forest of waste that could be harmful to all animals.
You can visit cotton-top tamarins on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and learn more about them at DisneyAnimals.com.
Would you like some help planning the perfect Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I can not only help you find the perfect vacation package at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani or Adventures by Disney, I can also help with the details afterwards such as dining reservations, FastPass selections, shore excursions and more. My detailed itineraries and touring plans ensure that your vacation is absolutely perfect. Best of all, my service are 100% FREE! Contact me today to book your dream Disney vacation! 1.803.290.7334 or via email at brooke@mickeytravels.com.
Images Copyright: Disney
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
