My day off and I can’t get that little fawn we got last Thursday off my mind. By happenstance, I was driving to Ocotal beach yesterday and saw a sign for “The Monkey Farm”. Hmmm.
I checked out their website http://www.themonkeyfarm.org and read what they really are about. I set out this morning to go check this place out for myself. It’s claim and purpose is to be the world’s first totally sustainable farm. It was an incredible place. No monkeys, but an incredible mission and a very dedicated staff of volunteers. Wow,they had a lot. The Congo Trail, where I work, has two. I met with the founder, Vicki Conley, and learned a lot about how the government works when it comes to the environment. I really wanted to talk to her about the fawn. I wanted her to take him as we are not equipped to keep the little guy.
In Costa Rica, the director of environmental affairs is the highest post next to the president. I found that fascinating, yet it made sense since CR is all about sustainability and wildlife. Vicki is amazing in her knowledge of rescuing animals and saving the howler monkeys. One of the leading tragedies is electrocution from the power lines. Although, they receive injured and abandoned howler monkeys, her mission is to get them healthy and release back into the wild. She finds it odd that we haven’t released our howler, Lenny,back into the wild. The claim is he won’t make it on his own, but she had a different take.
The Monkey Farm is a farm. It’s free to visit, they are non-profit. Long story shorter, she met a guy in Colorado who can get the Costa Rican government things to prevent electrocutions at 1/3 the cost of what they are currently paying and using. The government was onboard, but didn’t know how to install these protectors correctly. It’s in the works…I truly believe the government will get it and a lot of howlers will be saved.
Another tough road to get here and I imagine in the wet season, it would require a 4×4. I drove my little Suzuki. There are a bunch of blue bottles hanging from the dry branches which marks the spot. You know you’ve made it. Hey, this is the very first place I’ve been and NOT gotten lost in the process. Great signage all the way. I forgot to ask if there was a purpose of the bottles or just a cool quirky idea.
There are a lot of farm animals here because they serve a purpose to the sustainability of the farm. They use the goat’s milk to feed the monkeys and this little fawn will hopefully get to come here. He needs goat’s milk as he is bottled fed and I’m not sure what he gets from us.
She agreed to take him, although it may become a government hassle. This farm grows all their own food, vegetables. Check out their website and you can see what they do. It’s amazing. I was there for one purpose, finding a place suitable for the little fawn. I did not tour the place, but I’m sure it’s not the last time I will meet Vicki and visit the farm. It’s very close to my house. She knows all about my refuge, and the biologist in charge. It was great to hear what she had to say about how we’re doing, not bad in light of the circumstances. Ismael has made great improvements and has the best intentions, but my refuge is privately owned, so final say goes to the owner.
The mission of the farm is to become the world’s first fully sustainable rescue center and serve as a model for which other countries can follow. This woman has a plan and is on a mission. I found her fascinating and her knowledge invaluable.
She agreed to take the little fawn and let the government know. even though she is not certified yet. All the requirements have been met, she keeps detailed records, and has done everything right. It’s just a slow process. So, in a way I hope getting this fawn will help her finally get the certification.
Meanwhile, back at home my “buddy” was waiting for me to feed him some grapes.
He’s so hard to see as hard as I try to get his pic, he is the same color as the rock wall around my pool. I think it’s a female because I do not see a beard. I tried to give some carrots and tomatoes, but she didn’t eat them. I gave in and gave her my last banana. She’s been coming around for a few days and is the most patient creature.
So, that is how I spent my day off. On Tuesday, I’m headed for the Rio Celeste for two days. It will be incredible and a bit cooler as it sits in a valley between two volcanoes.
I will send pics. Located in Tenorio National Park, it is a spectacular site to witness. It’s about an hour and 1/2 from home. We shall see how long it actually takes me. I’m bound to get lost. I’m staying the night here to take in the rain forest, the canopy, the hanging bridges, and this incredible waterfall with water so blue, it’s electrifying. I hope I get some good snaps. It’s only $30 bucks a night to stay at the lodge. 1st bargain I’ve come across. You could take a tour and pay upwards of $100, but I have a car and a map.
Later…
Out of the snow and into the heat 