It is time once again for ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in the fun go here. This week is starring the letter "M".
My very favorite place to visit is Belize. Gina and I have been there 4 times in the last 5 years. Our first trip was in 2004 to help build the New Horizon SDA Chapel.
One of the interesting to do on a trip to Belize is to visit Mayan Ruins. We have been to the Mayan Ruins at Lamanai a couple of times. Besides the ruins, a trip to Lamanai is very interesting because of the Howler Monkeys. As you walk back to the ruins you are almost certain to hear the Howler Monkeys, and if you are lucky you will be able to see them.
Howlers Monkeys are found in tropical Central and South America. They are aptly named for their cacophonous cries. When a number of howlers let loose their lungs in concert, often at dawn or dusk, the din can be heard up to three miles away. Male monkeys have large throats and specialized, shell-like vocal chambers that help to turn up the volume on their distinctive call. The noise sends a clear message to other monkeys: This territory is already occupied by a troop.
If you are not expecting to hear them, Howler Monkeys can be a bit disconcerting. If you haven't heard them, you can listen to an audio file by clicking here.
On our last trip to Belize in March of this year, we spent one Sunday with a friend of mine, Collet Montejo. He took us to the Mayan Ruins at Altun Ha, and to the Baboon Sanctuary. The Baboon Sanctuary is located 35 miles northwest of Belize City and is a unique conservation effort bringing together eight villages to protect the population and habitat of Belize's Black Howler Monkey, affectionately called "baboons" by the locals.
FALLETT YOUNG CALLS DOWN THE HOWLER MONKEYS
Our guide Fallett Young took us into the jungle to see the Howler Monkeys. We were excited when we recognized him from the TV program Destination HD Belize. We had watched the TV show not long before we went to Belize. Fallett has lived in this part of Belize his whole life, and has a very special relationship with the baboons. Because of community-based efforts by Fallett and others in the area to preserve Black Howler Monkeys, there are more than 4,000 individuals waiting to be spotted and photographed by curious travelers.
Getting to be that close to the monkeys, and actually have them take food from your hand was a very exciting and rewarding experience.
