As our boat approached the dock, a monkey launched himself off the shore and into my arms. Quite a warm welcome to La Isla de Los Manos, aka Monkey Island!
My greeter’s name was Mayo, an orphaned spider monkey and full-time resident at the primate sanctuary. He clung to me for an hour or so, nuzzling me, hugging me, even falling asleep against my shoulder.
Located on the Amazon River, Monkey Island is a haven for monkeys who would otherwise be sold in the exotic pet market. Most of them have been orphaned — their mothers killed by hunters — which explains why they look to others for affection.
The sanctuary is home to eight different species of monkeys. They don’t live in cages — they run around the island freely and independently — but they are still comfortable and curious around humans.
I’m always a little skeptical about wildlife sanctuaries, because I’ve seen too many that don’t act in the best interest of the animals. They exist simply for show or to suck money from real animal lovers.
But Monkey Island definitely appeared to be a place that does it right. Owner Gilberto Guerra clearly is passionate about monkeys and has created a place where they are treated with respect.
More than anything, my trip to Monkey Island reinforced my belief that all creatures crave love and deserve our kindness and affection.
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