The Monkeys of the Amazon
We were told that there were some twenty three separate species of monkeys originally found in the Amazon where we were located.  Their numbers are diminishing rapidly as the trees, in which they live, are being cut down and the illegal export of local wildlife is continuing on a daily basis.

The lodge where we were staying, has its mascots, some of which are monkeys. These monkeys are the envy of their friends living in the trees surrounding the complex.  The mascots are well fed and the environment they live in is not far removed from their natural habitat. 

I was not aware of the incredible variety,  of monkeys that lived in the Amazon.  My experience was mostly seeing the larger primates in zoos,  or as a young boy seeing the organ grinders with their monkeys on the streets of New York.   I would bet there has not been an organ grinder in New York city in fifty years.
                                                                
 The Spider Monkey is one of the most common monkeys found in this area of the Amazon. This is Negra and he is licking his fingers after eating a very juicy apricot which we had given him.   All monkeys seem to like fruit especially dried fruit found in trail mix bags.  We had packed these bags along as treats before we left the States in case we happened to run into any friendly animals during our trip. Actually we also had had children in mind at the time.  I can tell you monkeys become very friendly,  as long at the treats last.  Negra would wrap his tail around your leg so that he could keep track of what you were doing.  We found the association with these animals very refreshing.  Cats and Dogs are wonderful companions but there is a certain adventure in living and sharing food with monkeys and parrots.

This is Negra the Spider Monkey

Don't worry, the mascot, Poncho, in the adjoining picture is not being molested,  he really is a loving monkey who likes to interact with people and enjoys having his stomach rubbed.  The most amazing thing about monkeys in this region is the small size of some species.  I had never seen fully grown monkeys that were as small as a bird and sounded somewhat like one when they called to each other.  Living in the back country of the Amazon, even for a short period of time, will effect anyone who will make the effort to go there..

Before we left, Gilberto wanted us to see an island which had been given to him for a sanctuary.  We had no idea, at this time,  that he was making every effort to save the monkeys of this regain from extinction.  All he said before departing was,  this was something he wanted us to see.  He had a small cage with him which had been delivered to the lodge by boat.   The cage was made of bamboo and did not seem to be big enough to carry much more than a small bird.

                  




        By looking through the spaces between the bamboo slats,  I could see tiny faces looking out at me.  They were terrified, as you can see by the picture above.  In a short time they would be returned to the jungle in a protected area.  I tried to get a picture of the monkeys when the door was opened but their departure was faster than a speeding bullet.

You can see by the size of the cage Gilberto is holding,  that the two occupants had to be very small.   The total length of the, monkeys which we carried in this cage, is about six inches including the tail.  The red bandana on my wife's head is the same one that attracted the bat when we were on the trail to the big tree.

Arriving at our destination on Monkey Island our boat was met by Indians who Gilberto had entrusted with the job of game keeper.   It was hoped that protected against poachers, the monkeys would be able to live and multiply on this island.

I was most interested to see,  that the methods used by the Indians to construct their houses, here in the Amazon,  were very similar to those used by the Indians of Florida in making a house they call a chickie.  Both types of houses are set up on stilts.  This elevation, of course,  is necessary in both areas due to the seasonal changes in water level as well as for protection against animals.  Roofs are similar in construction using palm leaves.  I noted many other details which were the same. You have to think that there must have been some communication between these peoples and their counterparts in the wet lands of Florida.

The children of this region, are virtually living in a zoo provided by God.  They have a variety of pets, birds, turtles, monkeys, snakes, and if it crawls or flies you can bet that at one time or the other it has been part of their family.   Having people like this to watch over the island means that there will be monkeys left for future generations.  As you can see, Gilberto was able to find clothing for the little ones.  If you look at the plants behind the children you can see a stand of bananas and there are papaya trees in the area with an unbelievable height of thirty five feet. The normal height of this plant is about eight feet. The people also grow corn and make a form of bread so there is usually no need to go hungry.

Baby monkeys,  like the one shown here are the result of the killing of adult monkeys and or the cutting down of trees.  This little one will find a good home on the island when he gets big enough to take care of himself.  

  
  We left the island,    just as the sun was setting.  It was a fairly long trip back to the lodge and we would not arrive until it was quite dark.  The thought ran through my mind of the time the Secretary of the Interior of the United States,  got marooned in Everglades National Park overnight and was at the mercy of the mosquitoes. A seasoned wildlife ranger had missed a turn in the early evening and got lost.  I could just imagine how we would look after a night on the Amazon river without our,                      100% Jungle Off.