The deep dark jungle of Corcovado home to the squirrel monkey
The Lonely Planet calls the endangered squirrel monkey one of the cutest animals you will ever see in its section on Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. This is perhaps one reason their numbers are diminishing. Their cuteness makes them tempting pets.
The soulful squirrel monkey meditating on a limb
I had a chance to get up close to these beautiful animals when I recently visited Corcovado National Park. Although they are cute, I would reserve that term for baby seals, koala bears, and tarsiers. I would call the squirrel monkey more soulful than adorable. The one I got close to seemed deep in thought like he was contemplating the world’s problems.
At one point while taking photos of the peaceful creature, our eyes locked. When its penetrating gaze met my eyes, I felt it was communicating with me. It is not like he spoke, but I felt it was confused about something and was trying to question me.
If I could relate its stare of wonderment and put into words its expression it would go something like this:
I do not understand why some people come into my home and appreciate it and take pictures of me and fawn over me when at the same time others come with chainsaws intent on clear cutting. Why are humans conservationists and at the same time destroyers? Why do some come into my jungle and take pictures of us while others come and take us away in boxes to never see our beautiful trees again?
Why are some places protected and put aside like Corcovado while others are razed to the ground in order to make room for ugly animals like cows? Why do people say we are so cute yet cut down our home to make room for cows?
Why do some people come into Corcovado and enjoy it so much whereas others come to illegally kill some of the animals? Why is it that some of my forest brothers disappear in order for their parts to be used in some Chinese ritualistic medicine?
Corcovado National Park and the squirrel monkey
Costa Rican endangered squirrel monkey
The cute and soulful squirrel monkey
Corcovado National Park and the squirrel monkey
The squirrel monkey turn away tired of pondering deep thoughts
The squirrel monkey yawns as it is tired of thinking about the world’s problems
Perhaps it was not the squirrel monkey asking these questions, but my conscience pondering them. The quizzical expression on the squirrel monkey was just a reflection of my own wonderment at how much our race has screwed up so many of our wild places. We must now put backpacks on and take off on adventures to find remote unexplored regions.
At least for a moment or for two days I was here. I had found one of those undiscovered corners. Here I was standing in the middle of one of the lushest jungles in the world taking a photograph of an endangered species only 20 feet from me. How is an incredible animal like this even on the endangered species list in the first place? This question and the questions above neither I nor the squirrel monkey could answer.
TT
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Loved this Ted.
Jim recently posted..This Moment: Fri 9th Dec.
Thank you for these postings. I have become enamored with the Drake Bay area and Corcavados thanks to your posts. Keep them coming.
There is a lot to be enamored about in that area. I hope you make it there soon.
Young Ted, I have no quarrel with your defense of the squirrel monkey. It is understandable you would feel a greater identity with this energetic, endlessly curious breed rather than steady, dependable bovine creatures.
The Honorary Chairman for Life of the SP/PBI (Society for the Preservation of Positive Bovine Imagery) is obliged to quiver an eyebrow over your reference to (can I even type the scurrilous phraseology) “ugly cow.”
The SP/PBI is alert to the insidious spreading of pejorative language that dishonors breeds of creatures who provide everything from wholesome milk for infants and children to high-protein entrees for adult tables worldwide. Yes, even the majestic buffalo, which WE helped bring back from extinction. Buffalo now decorate farmlands throughout America and elsewhere.
In the spirit of tolerance and forgiveness, permit me to say we understand how the contemplative assessment of a bovine’s environment might be misinterpreted as a dull-witted gaze. Mr. Nelson, consider if a spell of your own prolonged thought was caught on camera and then perceived as nothing more than mindless woolgathering.
What a disservice to you and your countless fans worldwide! All these years we have grown to rely on your studious evaluation of far-flung destinations on our behalf. It would be a bleak, overcast world without the vigorous thrusts of insight and optimism you bring as we are energized by your enthusiasm and originality.
Not unlike the “beautiful cow” you so casually denigrated. I know you’ll do the right thing — this time.
Philip J. Filibuster
Honorary Chairman for Life
SP/PBI
Jay Gordon recently posted..Cowboy poetry in Willits, Mendocino County
Nice recovery. 😉
You are such a clever young man. When I see your name in my in-box I know it’s going to be a stimulating few minutes. Being a little silly seemed the least I could do to repay you.
They are so adorable! Bet a pair of them would enjoy life here on the farm but unfortunately it probably gets to cold and my cats or hawks might eat them. Well at least now I have some cool photos to enjoy. Thanks for helping raise awareness of their plight.
Robb714 recently posted..Handling The Holidays
wow they’re so lovely! i wish they are here in malaysia!
-FiSh
ohFISHiee.blogspot.com
Great shots Ted! I’ve heard stories about those squirrel monkeys 😛
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Thanks A Million!
I can relate it with the current situation of the Tarsiers here in the Philippines (Bohol to be exact) they’re fast dwindling and is under threat. 🙁