PHX Zoo – Tamarins and Teamwork: What It Takes to Conserve the Critically Endangered Cotton-top Tamarin in Colombia

Tamarins and Teamwork: What It Takes to Conserve the Critically Endangered Cotton-top Tamarin in Columbia

Anne Savage, Ph.D.

Executive Director of Proyecto Tití, Inc. and Conservation Director for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Please join us for a Phoenix Zoo conservation lecture
presented by the Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Foundation

Cotton-top tamarins are a critically endangered monkey found only in the tropical forests of northern Colombia. Through scientific studies, community development and education projects, Proyecto Tití has made the conservation of the cotton-top tamarin a priority in Colombia and the good news is that we have good news to share! In recent years, we have been able to establish protected forest reserves for cotton-tops, engage many communities in helping to care for this amazing monkey, and have created alternatives for people to reduce their dependence on forest products. How does this help? The cotton-top tamarin population has remained stable for the last 6 years, demonstrating that we really can reverse the decline of species in the wild!

Dr. Savage developed Proyecto Tití, a conservation program designed to conserve Colombia’s most endangered primate the cotton-top tamarin.  Through scientific studies, community development, and education programs, Proyecto Tití has made the conservation of the cotton-top tamarin a priority in Colombia. Her team works internationally to promote conservation through the “eco-mochila” program that creates a sustainable product from recycled plastic bags that is sold worldwide. Winner of the 2012 UNDP Equator Prize this program not only contributes to the conservation of wildlife, but successfully reduces the amount of litter in forests and oceans in South America. Proyecto Tití continues to support the development of environmental entrepreneurs as a means to engage communities in protecting Colombia’s biodiversity.

Event Information: 

Wednesday, January 11th, 2017 @ Phoenix Zoo – C.W. & Modene Neely Event Center

TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided

RSVP by January 4th to jgreenberg@phoenixzoo.org