Monkey See Monkey Do
Before leaving for a family vacation, my daughter-in-law came across a friend that had stayed at the same resort we booked and gave her some tips and pointers on the local area. One of the points of interest he suggested was heading down the beach, into the rainforest, in search of monkeys. He also mentioned you could feed them. Immediately, my “Spidey” senses kicked in, since monkeys are known to carry disease. My daughter and I both thought going into the wild to feed monkeys wasn’t such a great idea. She works in a lab and knows the risks associated with these animals due to the diseases they carry.
Day two of our vacation, we decided to take a chance and walked down the beach to see if we could find monkeys. We were specifically looking for howler monkeys. We could hear them from the resort; even from a distance they sounded intimidating. As we passed by a sign that directed us to the Monkey Bar, we decided to keep moving on our own path. As we explored the edge of the rainforest we would see howler monkeys from time to time high in the trees but nothing close up.
On our way back to the resort after little success seeing the monkeys, we decided to head in the direction of the Monkey Bar. It had rained the night before so we had to make our way around large puddles of water blocking the trail. We passed a few people here and there but were basically on our own. Just before we arrived at the Monkey Bar, there was a couple that looked like they were trying to coax something out of one of the trees. There was an opening into the rainforest and under the canopy we saw the branches move and spotted a monkey. Not a howler monkey but a white faced Capuchin. It was making its way down the branches to seemingly get a look at us. As soon as the monkey got closer, another and yet another one appeared and followed. We looked up and like magic, there were lots of branches and leaves bending and swaying and about 20 to 30 white faced monkeys appeared, moving effortless toward us. They were everywhere, all coming toward us. Holy bananas Batman!
The couple that was standing with us was holding out watermelon and bravely, a few monkeys approached and quickly snatched the fruit. A bold one actually took the fruit and then like a trickster, grabbed the whole piece from her other hand. In a single moment she had no more to offer. We, on the other hand, had pita bread and another brave member of the troop made his way to my son and accepted the morsel. Once the other monkeys noticed, they too wanted the pita bread and followed.
My son had no fear but the rest of us girls were cautious. He seemed to be having a lot of interest from the troop and my daughter-in-law said, “Now, I have to feed them.” As soon as she offered her bread, my daughter announced….”Now, I have to feed them.” And as soon as she held out her bread, bewildered, I exclaimed…..”NOW, I have to feed them!” What an experience!
Day three, we decided to go back to the same spot, prepared with loads of fruit. We could hear the howler monkeys as we walked along the beach. They sounded like they were very close……they were. They now occupied the trees where we encountered the white faced monkeys, the day before. They were loud and very frightening, but my son went through the opening of the trees and under the canopy of the rainforest. They were right above us howling like we better get the hell out of their space and my son kept on the path, going deeper into the trees. I immediately pulled my hood up and prayed they wouldn’t jump on my head. You couldn’t see them often, but you could hear them. The further away from the area the less they howled. They wanted nothing to do with our fruit and I wanted nothing to do with them! On our way back using another trail, we spotted three that were going in the same direction we were, but moved away as soon as we approached the end of the trail. Thank goodness that was over, even though it was amazing.
The last morning of the trip the kids decided to go back one more time looking for the white faced monkeys, I unfortunately, decided to stay back and pack. Wouldn’t you know, they saw them again and were able to spend more time offering them fruit and experiencing them in nature. One woman thought she would try and pet one of the animals and just barely got herself out of the way of being bitten. Another female toting a baby would take the fruit when the male wasn’t near but as soon as he approached, she showed her fangs. It was a good reminder that they are wild animals.
Monkey see, monkey do was how they acted as a troop. What one monkey did, the others followed suit. It reminded me of peer pressure in life. Sometimes we’re afraid to speak up for what we want, but doing so moves us beyond our fear and gives us the courage to take our own path. Are you walking yours or are you following someone else’s path? Be bold, be brave be you!
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS…You’re amazing and have special gifts that only you can share. There isn’t another you!