Hanging with the Howler Monkeys, Travel Belize

The Community Baboon Sanctuary located in the Bermudian Landing in rural Belize was established in 1985 by Dr. Robert Horwich, an American primatologist working with local landowners and conservation groups to designate jungle for the purpose of conservation. 12 landowners in Bermudian Landing established a cooperative agreement to preserve the jungle for the howler monkey, many species of birds and fauna. The sanctuary spans 30 miles along the river basin and is home to thousands of howler monkeys, known to the locals as baboons. 

Community Baboon Sanctuary

Found in South American rain forests in Belize, Brazil, Paraguay, Eastern Bolivia and Northern Argentina, howler monkeys are the loudest of any land animal. Each has an enlarged hyoid bone, allowing for the noises they make which is fundamental to communication. Every day at dusk and dawn, group male monkeys call out to other males in area who then call back. This call allows all of the Monkeys to figure out where to gather food that day based on where each monkey tribe is feeding and where each group settles for the night. When two tribes cross paths in the trees, conflict arises between the lead monkeys in the form of howling, leaping and fighting. These fights are infrequent, but vicious and can result in severe injury. 

When I arrived in Belize, I had the great pleasure of hiring Daniellia's Shuttle Service who recommended stopping at the site on the way to the hotel. It was an absolute pleasure as this was my first up close experience interacting with these magnificent creatures. I arrived mid afternoon and was given a private tour with a guide. With the guide, I took a short hike down a jungle path. It wasn't long before we could hear rustling in the trees above us and the first monkeys appeared. The guide called to them and signaled he had banana treats for them to enjoy. 

Howler Monkeys are herbivores eating a diet mainly comprised of leaves and tree vines, flowers and tropical fruit found in the trees. The guide told me the bananas are like candy to the monkeys, not being a part of their normal diet. The Father Monkey was completely in control of his clan at all times. The Babies would not come down to eat the banana until given permission by their Father with a nod of the head and hand gesture. As the young monkeys climbed down to enjoy the tasty treat being offered by the guide, the Father remained above with a watchful eye. 

We didn't see any female monkeys out and about. Howler monkeys are one of the few primates whose females have a blonde coat, so they would have stood out. 

There is a place on site to buy souvenirs, a visitors center and museum. I picked up a couple of hand carved bowls and a magnet of a howler monkey carved out of wood. The museum had lots of information on the history of the monkey as well as plants and birds who call the sanctuary home. I loved seeing how every plant, insect and animal have a specific role to play in the jungle. The vines live symbiotically with the trees, the insects fertilize and aerate the soil and so on. The jungle is an amazing place. 

Bring a sturdy pair of shoes for this trip and bug spray. It is the jungle after all. If you are staying at a local hotel or planning a trip, Danielia's Shuttle Service is available for excursions as well as rides to and from the airport. Danielia's drivers are well informed about the area, their vehicles are clean and air conditioned. Danielia also offers transportation to other attractions in the area including Mayan Ruins and Cave Tours. Look for more posts on Traveling Belize in the future. 

Happy Travels!