I have a bit of a, not-so-secret, obsession with monkeys. Not the kind that throw their crap at you at the zoo, but the small cuddly ones that you could slap a diaper on and tote around like a hairy child. I was on an uncontrollable high when I found out that my dream of holding a monkey was going to come true at Gumbalimba Park in Roatan, Honduras.
The Honduras Monkeys at Gumbalimba Park
Seriously…it was as if someone had just told me that I won a brand new car…and gas for a year…and free maintenance. This was going to be way better than the twelve sea monkey farms that I tended to as a child. Yes, this obsession runs deep.
We arrived at Gumbalimba Park via bus and were stunned by the beautiful grounds filled with tempting banana trees, perfect wild flowers and statuesque iguanas. We were taken on a brief tour which led us through the cheesy man-made caves, over a suspension bridge and through the parrot sanctuary before we were at our destination…MONKEYS!
I had visions of monkeys in abundance, jumping onto my head and trying to steal my sunglasses.
For that is the story I had heard and the experience I had wanted. Unfortunately, as we all know, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned and the fantasy turns out to be way better than the reality.
In total, we saw three monkeys, though there were supposedly over a dozen on the Gumbalimba Park grounds. The tour guide had told us that because it was cashew season the primates had no need to bombard tourists to be nourished. Can I have a discount for all the monkeys gone AWOL? It’s alright, I only needed one willing chimp to complete this bucket list goal anyway. The trainer held the monkey, kept it behaved with food and gave us each a turn with our new furry friend. We had about one minute to revel in the experience, while the photographer snapped numerous photos.
My advice? Don’t go to Gumbalimba Park during cashew season.
We went there on our honeymoon & I loved it!!!! I think there were only 2 or 3 monkeys there while we were there too but all I needed was the one to climb all over me! My least favorite part of that place was that bridge haha
I am writing an entire blog post on that bridge ;)
When I was in high school my neighbor had a spider monkey that used to wear a diaper. The monkey had a retractable leash that was tied to the clothes line so he could run around in the yard all day. I never made it over to hold him though!
Those would be my dream neighbors!
You want plenty of monkeys? Head over to Gibralter. But be careful, they'll steal your glasses AND your purse. BTW, beautiful pics!
So that’s where all the monkeys are hanging out these days ;)
You are living one incredible life!!! I love you and your blog. I will have to update mine because of you. But, I'd have to add this "share a bucket list experience with Annette – after we meet." :)
I love the idea about getting together to accomplish a goal!
I can identify with you on this one. I always dreamed of having a pet monkey. Now I know that they are not really good as pets; and it wouldn't be fair to keep them away from their natural habitat. However, I would love to have a similar experience as you did on this trip. Love the picture.
We skipped Gumbalina Park on Roatan and opted for the beach (which was gorgeous). When we were in Playa del Carmen, our resort had a pet monkey that they would bring out once a day and people could have their photos taken with it; my husband must love monkeys almost as much as you b/c he was OBSESSED with the monkey and took advantage of holding it everytime they came by (of course, we bought the photo)
Doesn’t everyone love monkeys ;)
We were in Roatan as a cruise port stop at the beginning of January. We did the monkeys too but at Bodden's Monkey farm near where we zip lined. This post brought back great memories and a reminder that I need to write that post soon. I'm glad you at least got to see a couple of monkeys. =)
Monkeys and zip lining in the same day sounds perfect!