Wildlife Wednesdays: Do the Cotton-Top Tamarin Dance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

August 15 is a national holiday in Colombia, South America–it’s the Day of the Cotton-Top Tamarin. Here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re celebrating these cute one-pound monkeys on that day and throughout the month of August with a variety of activities at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Special activities for all ages will highlight cotton-top tamarin biology and behavior, the fascinating tools and methods used by scientists to study the cotton-top in the field, and the incredible conservation efforts of Proyecto Titi, an organization dedicated to saving this critically endangered species that is supported by the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

During the celebration, guests can find out what cotton-top tamarins like to snack on, how scientists locate them in the forest, and even how to do the cotton-top tamarin dance! The celebration will kick into high gear the week of August 7-15 with even more special activities, including creative cotton-top designs by face painters and caricature artists. And scientists, veterinarians, and animal keepers will share their expertise on cotton-top tamarins and their passion for the conservation of this very special species. Watch the video to see cotton-tops in their native Colombia and learn about efforts to protect them.

During August and year-round, guests are getting to know and care about cotton-tops and their habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests can see these endangered monkeys at Habitat Habit! In Rafiki’s Planet Watch and near the Tree of Life.

Watch the Disney Parks Blog for information on other upcoming conservation events at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

September 1 – International Vulture Awareness Day
October 26 – Year of the Bat Celebration