The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens has exhibited the critically endangered species cotton-top tamarin since 1995.  Cotton-top tamarins are a small primate, about the size of a squirrel, native only to the tropical forests of Columbia.  Their endangered status was declared in 1973 due in part to the exportation of the species into the United States for research and to the capturing for sale in the pet trade by locals.

In 1985, a conservation program was created to increase public awareness of the severity of the cotton-top tamarins’ endangered status.  Proyecto Titi studies the species in its natural habitat, and is committed to the long term preservation of the small primate through a combination of field research and local community education programs.   By employing local biologists and field assistants, the program involves the community in taking a positive action towards conserving the cotton-top tamarin and their countries’ biodiversity.

The Zoo has proudly supported the Proyecto Titi program since 2006.  In May 2008, the Zoo presented Dr. Anne Savage, founder of Proyecto Titi, with a donation of over $1600.  Funds were raised through participation in several zoo programs including “Round Up for Conservation”, Party for the Planet and Eco-Mochilas.  With the contribution, the Zoo was given naming rights to a wild troop individual in the field program in Columbia.  The staff voted to name the individual “Sanford” after the great city where the Zoo is proudly located. 

The Zoo’s “Round-up for Conservation” program offers guests the option to increase their admission price by 5 cents to support conservation efforts of several endangered species exhibited in our collection.  All of the proceeds go to carefully selected conservation organizations.

Guests of the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens support conservation efforts by participating in the Round Up program, attending our events, especially Party for the Planet, or by contributing directly to a specific program.  To contribute call the Zoo at 407.323.4450.

For more information on conservation programs or the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit our Web site at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450.