Feeding the Monkeys

 Where does the time go?

I'm taking minutes, making lists, un-scheduling and rescheduling meetings, interacting between parties and writing. All good things to be done but not very exciting. So let me tell you about the monkeys!

Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

On Saturday morning we arrived at the preserve found our guide. We were told there would be bananas on sell to feed the Mona monkeys, but not this morning. Luckily a few of the missionaries brought some and shared with those of us who didn't have any. [Next time....]

This mama was outside of the preserve and looking for tourist. Her baby nursed and looked around but clung tight while she leapt into a tree and down to the ground and over to see what we had.

Our guide told us the monkeys were important to her people and had always been friends with them. Here is the Wikipedia page about them. 

There is a special art to having them eat from your hand. If you hold the banana out they will swipe it away and watch you while eating it from the branch. If you peel the banana they won't eat it. If it breaks off they will still come get the rest of the banana from your hand. If you hold the banana firmly they will jump up on your hand and arm, peel the banana down and eat it, and dig down for the rest of the banana.

Sister Weston feeding a monkey from her hand

Sister Kittleson with a monkey on her arm

Elder Kittleson giving his wife bananas with a monkey on her shoulder

Annie Price with a monkey on her shoulder

Mommy with a baby getting hand outs

These monkeys were adorable and made me so happy! It was a fun trip. I'd love to go again.