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oin us on an eye-opening expedition to the wilds of
Costa Rica and Panama to learn about New World monkeys
and how we can help protect them from extinction. Among
the many endangered creatures, few are more intriguing
than monkeys of Central America. White-faced capuchins,
spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys and mantled howler
monkeys steal your hearts as they gaze at you from
the trees. Travel to El Zota Biological Field Station
in the heart of Costa Rica to learn about primate ecology
in a spectacular rainforest setting. Journey to a tropical
island on Panama’s Caribbean coast to continue
your studies, participate in ongoing monkey research
and examine threats to their survival in a biodiversity
hotspot that has been called the Galapagos of Panama.
Returning to Costa Rica, work alongside local organizations
and scientists on animal rehabilitation, reforestation,
conservation and education efforts on the Pacific coast,
using our newfound knowledge to teach others about
monkeys and the importance of preserving their endangered
habitats. |
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| Day 1–3 |
A two-day rafting trip down the
thrilling Costa Rica’s Rio Pacuare gives our
group a chance to get to know each other. Our adventure
takes us through stunning canyons and lush lowland
tropical rainforest, giving us our first glimpses of
the monkeys and ecosystems we’ve come to study
and help protect, as well as ocelots, sloths and an
astounding variety of birds. |
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| Day 4–8 |
El Zota Biological Field Station
in northeast Costa Rica is the perfect place to embark
on our study of the rainforest and its primate inhabitants.
The 2,500 acre reserve is home to white-faced capuchins,
mantled howler monkeys and threatened black-handed
spider monkeys that share their habitat with peccaries,
armadillos, otters, parrots, toucans and poison dart
frogs. We begin with discussions on rainforest ecology
and primate natural history, biology and behavior.
Learn field research techniques, then head out with
naturalist guides to observe spider monkeys as they
clamber through the canopy or listen to the guttural
howls of howler monkeys defending their turf. Explore
a variety of habitats including lowland rainforest,
lowland swamp forest, reforested areas, a small river
and several freshwater lagoons. After completing your
daily monkey observation logs, take a break to play
soccer with the villagers or paddle a canoe on one
of the field station’s small lakes. |
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| Day 9–14 |
A short flight takes us to the
tropical Isla Colon in Panama’s Caribbean archipelago.
Before resuming our studies and field work, we explore
the nearby Zapatilla Keys on an overnight sailing adventure.
Visit Dolphin Bay where bottlenose dolphins play in
the crystal clear water, then head out to the Bastimentos
National Marine Park for an afternoon of snorkeling
and beach exploration. Returning to Isla Colon, we
settle into our beachfront cabins at the Institute
for Tropical Ecology and Conservation. With beautiful
white Caribbean beaches on one side, mangroves on the
other, and a lush tropical rainforest in between, Isla
Colon is one of the most breathtaking islands in Central
America. Here we examine threats to Central America’s
primates. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, development,
domestication and poaching all contribute to the decline
of healthy monkey populations in the region. We focus
our discussions around ongoing efforts and potential
strategies to counter and alleviate these impacts.
As our academic understanding of these amazing creatures
progresses, we expand our field studies… Search
for monkeys and sloths on a mangrove boat tour, and
look for the world’s only nocturnal monkeys on
night hikes in the rainforest. |
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| Day 15–21 |
Travel to Manuel Antonio National
Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to observe
the only New World monkey found in Costa Rica that
we have yet to encounter, the squirrel monkey. Working
alongside local educational and conservation organizations
in one of the most beautiful and biodiverse areas in
the world, we put our newfound expertise and experience
to use… Help sustain the resident monkey population
by assisting with reforestation projects and habitat
renewal or surveying monkey bridges built to protect
monkeys from encroaching roads and power lines. Help
care for sick, injured or young monkeys, sloths and
other animals at the animal rehabilitation center.
Design and distribute educational materials about monkey
and rainforest conservation to park visitors. As the
trip comes to an end, we reflect on the fact that man
holds the future of so many species in his hands. We
are simultaneously their biggest enemy and the key
to their survival. You leave amazed at the knowledge
you’ve gained, the friendships made, the experiences
shared and the small but meaningful impact you’ve
made together to protect New World monkeys and their
habitats for the future.  |
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