One of the greatest rewards of forest restoration is witnessing wildlife return to areas that were once degraded and fragmented. At Los Titíes de San Juan Forest Reserve, we are excited to share wonderful news: cotton-top tamarin families are now regularly moving through and foraging within restored forest areas—and some of these groups have recently been spotted carrying twins!

For Proyecto Tití’s team, these sightings are incredibly meaningful. Cotton-top tamarins typically give birth to twins, and seeing infants thriving in these recovering forests is a powerful sign that restoration efforts are creating healthy habitat where families can grow and flourish. Some of the most exciting moments happen unexpectedly during our daily work. While caring for native tree saplings in the nursery, our restoration team often pauses to look up and watch cotton-top tamarins traveling through the nearby trees along the arroyo. Recently, several groups have been observed carrying tiny infants on their backs as they move through the forest in search of food.

These moments remind us why restoration matters

Years ago, many of these areas were heavily degraded, with fragmented forest patches that made it difficult and dangerous for wildlife to move safely through the landscape. Today, thanks to years of planting native trees and restoring habitat corridors, cotton-top tamarins are once again using these recovering forests as pathways, feeding areas, and shelter for raising their young. For our team, there is nothing more inspiring than seeing tamarin families benefiting directly from restoration work. Every tree planted contributes to rebuilding a forest that supports biodiversity, protects water sources, and creates a future where critically endangered cotton-top tamarins can continue to thrive in the wild.

And now, with tiny twins clinging tightly to their parents’ backs, the forest feels even more alive with hope.