In the News
Updates from Proyecto Tití
Titi Tidbits: July 2017 Edition
July 31,
2017 10348 10348 
There is nothing more exciting for us than when we get to see some tiny little heads peaking over the shoulders of their caregivers. Yes, it’s the time of year when we welcome the latest additions to our cotton-top tamarin families in the forest of El Ceibal. Cotton-top tamarins typically give birth to twins that weigh close to 15% of the mother's body weight. That's equivalent to a woman giving birth to two 10 pound babies! While twins are the norm, we also see singletons and an occasional triplet! This year we have not observed any triplets, but we have had 5 twins and 4 singletons born in our tamarin families.
It's quite fun to watch Federico and Zoila as new parents of their first baby tamarin. They spend a lot of time together keeping a watchful eye on their new baby and Rolando is very eager to participate in carrying the new baby on his back.
However, Savage and Guillermo are a little more laid back. This is their 4th set of twins and while they are very proud of the new additions, Savage eagerly gives her babies to anyone in the group to carry! It is funny to watch some very jealous juveniles realize they are no longer the center of attention. Everyone’s attention is on the new babies!
Tamara’s legacy lives on as her daughter Angie gave birth to her first baby and her grandson also became a proud father this year!
These new additions are growing up fast and keeping their families busy. It is a treat to watch them grow and learn all the skills they will need to survive in the forest.
Saturday, June 24, was a big day for the Asoartesanas, our artisan group that makes eco-mochilas (tote bags crocheted from recycled plastic bags). A program promoted by the governor’s office of Atlántico and spearheaded by the First Lady of Atlántico, Dr. Liliana Borrero, was held in the village of Los Limites. "Manos a la Obra" (“Let’s do it!”) identifies and supports communities that are working on their self-improvement.
ASOARTESANAS are a shining example of how community groups can really make a difference.
Plastic litter is a big problem in rural communities, as there are no opportunities to properly dispose of plastic that won't harm wildlife, including cotton-tops. Through recycling initiatives, plastic bags collected have a new purpose. They become the raw material for the artisans to make eco-mochilas.
Many women have been able to improve their livelihood thanks to the eco-mochila program, providing a sustainable income for their families and, for some, even purchasing their own homes! Many have become conservation and business leaders in the community, while at the same time helping to reduce pollution generated by plastic waste and protect the forests that cotton-top tamarins need to survive.
In recognition of the artisans’ efforts to improve their community, 60 houses in Los Limites were painted with a new touch of color and harmony, thanks to the "Manos a la Obra" program. With some training in painting techniques and color theory, the residents were able to work together, using rollers and brushes, to transform their community into something beautiful and harmonious.
Adding to the festivities, the Head of the Secretary of Economic Development, Anatolio Santos, was also in Los Limites. He leads a program called “the Orange Economy,” designed to inspire new and creative ideas. Through this program, the artisans received entrepreneurship training, new sewing machines, and a grant to lead some innovations in the small business, creating more employment opportunities for other women who are heads of households.
Our deepest gratitude to the Manos a la Obra and the Orange Economy programs for being proud supporters of the ASOARTESANAS and conservation efforts for cotton-top tamarins.