This was something I have talked about many times and really wanted the
kids to experience both the rescue and the baby howlers.
We stopped by at the beginning of the week to find out times. Lucky we
did because in order experience the howlers you need to book a private
tour. They used to take 3 groups but just changed and are only taking 2
groups a day for the private tours and the week was booked. Nicole &
I just stood there looking very disappointed. She repeated it was
booked for the week but we didn't move. It was either our disappointed
faces or the fact we weren't moving that she said " let me see what I
can do." A moment later she came back and said "Thursday at 2:00pm."
We were thrilled.
Our
guide for our tour was Dexter, a local who has been with the rescue for 7
years. He took us around telling us about the different animals, why
they are there, how they are caring for them, and how they will be
released back into the rainforest. Most that come through the rescue are
able to be re introduced back. Very few end up here permit which is
great.
The
highlight was getting to go feed the baby howler monkeys. We first
needed to leave everything outside the cage, along with removing
earnings, jewelry, any thing shiny they could get their hands on. There
are 2 young capuchins in there as well and they love shiny things. We
also wrapped our heads to avoid them eating at our hair.
We sat down and they all came running and jumping all over us. One of
the capuchins love men. He first went to George, curling up on his belly
while kneeing him. He then went to Georgie. He just stayed on his lap
looking up at him so sweetly.
Nicole
and I were sitting on the floor and they were climbing all over us,
curling their tails around our arms or legs as they bounced from one
spot to another.
It was
fun watching them interact with each other. The capuchin and howlers
plating together is not something you see. There was one very young baby
they have been introducing into the cage. When she came in they all
wanted time with her even the capuchin.
I did have a little unique experience. When I wasn't looking the capuchin
came up to me and went right for my nipple biting it. Not only was I
surprised by this fresh little monkey but it hurt. It certainly was not
something I expected but made for some good laughs.
When the monkeys are ready they start taking them out on monkey picnics
in the rainforest. They are free to explore in hopes that a troop comes
along and takes them in. There are no adult monkeys at the rescue their
method is working great.
I
saw this ocelot last year when it first came to the center after it was orphan as baby. Now they take
it for daily walks in the rainforest where one day it will just keep
going.
The animals end up here due to injury, the babies the mother was killed, or because people wanted a wild animal as a pet.
They are doing a wonderful thing here at the rescue. It is something not to be missed.
Tours are 9:30am & 11:30am. Private tours are 2:00 & must be booked in advance.
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