Atlantic Forest

Listen. Can you hear the monkeys chattering high above? Tweet-tweet sing the colorful birds. I am a giant, green blanket of trees right next to the big, blue ocean in a warm place called Brazil. I am full of life. Bright blue butterflies flutter by, and tiny frogs hop on my leaves. I am warm and happy and giggly with the sounds of my animal friends. Do you know who I am? I am the Atlantic Forest.

I am very, very old. I have been here for millions of years. I am a cozy home for so many amazing animals, like the golden lion tamarin, a little monkey with soft, shiny, golden fur. The first people who lived here were my friends. They took good care of me and listened to my songs. But one day, a long, long time ago on April 22nd, 1500, big ships sailed across the ocean. New people arrived. They built big towns and cities. They cut down many of my trees to build houses. This made me feel a little sad, because I started to get smaller and smaller.

But now, I have a happy story to tell. Many wonderful friends are helping me. They are planting new baby trees in the warm soil. They are making safe homes for my animals so the monkeys and birds can play and sing all day. Not too long ago, in the year 2009, many people made a special promise to help me grow strong again. I am a happy home for all my creatures and a friend to the whole world. With a little help from my friends, I promise to keep growing and sharing my beautiful colors with you.