When gazing upon animals, none offer a more vivid reflection of our human identities than the forms of primates.  Incredibly intelligent and with unique social structures, all primate species and individuals have dramatically different personalities.  Many species form exclusive pair bonds while some, such as bonobos are polyamorous.  The size range is considerable, with silverback gorillas taking the heavyweight title at a 400 + pound limit, while the Amazon Rainforest’s pygmy marmoset averages just 3.5 ounces.  Tropical forests host the highest diversity of species, yet primates can also be found across the African Serengeti and there are even a few who are right at home amidst snowy blizzards, such as the Janapese Macaque.  Primates are extremely innovative, often using unique strategies for survival.  A number of baboons have even learned to capture stray dogs and train them for protection.  In regions where charcoal is a prevalent industry, there are certain monkey species who seek it out for consumption, helping their bodies to digest otherwise toxic plant species.  Monkeys are fascinating to observe but should never be kept as pets.  They require constant stimulation and will quickly become destructive when bored. Not unlike other creatures, primates deserve the right to lead their lives naturally, exploring the beautiful habitat in which they belong!

 

 

 

 

Sunlit Squirrel

The most enchanting light and most stunning photo subjects a fellow could hope for. Any wildlife encounter is most rewarding when we do not seek to disrupt the behaviour of our subjects, rather allowing them to approach (or not) on their own terms without any sort of trickery. The experience is far purer, and we're afforded a unique opportunity to watch them go about daily life. When it comes to such relatable creatures as primates, the social dynamics are fascinating and hilarious to watch! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Monkey at Dawn

As a fellow who started taking pictures simply as a way to document cool animals / places, I really, really like detailed, well-illuminated depictions of animals and plants. That said, these scenarios are not always the ones offered. One of my first squirrel monkey encounters occurred just before dawn light began to illuminate the jungle foliage. Photographing such jittery, agile creatures amidst nearly non-existent light was a unique challenge that forced some creative sacrifices. Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.

The Morning Monkey

The most enchanting light and most stunning photo subjects a fellow could hope for. Any wildlife encounter is most rewarding when we do not seek to disrupt the behaviour of our subjects, rather allowing them to approach (or not) on their own terms without any sort of trickery. The experience is far purer, and we're afforded a unique opportunity to watch them go about daily life. When it comes to such relatable creatures as primates, the social dynamics are fascinating and hilarious to watch! Golfito, Costa Rica.

The Portrait of a Monkey

While resting on a hammock, this beautiful little fellow crept within nearly 10 feet of my lounge. He / she casually checked me out for a few moments before meandering along. Golfito, Costa Rica.

Squirrel Monkey

Red-backed squirrel monkeys are probably the cutest and my favourite of the 4 recognized monkey species within this country. On my previous visit, nearly a decade ago, these cutie pies were very scarce in the areas I visited. This time around, there were hordes of them in the South-Pacific part of the country. There is no wildlife experience quite like watching monkeys do their thing! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Squirrel Stature

One can often glean some insight of a creature's age based on appearance alone. The weathered face of this red-backed squirrel monkey suggested the he / she had some years under the belt. Golfito, Costa Rica.

Mischievous Monkeys

The human qualities and behaviour among monkeys is almost uncanny. The little fellow antagonized his / her older brother jumping on the larger monkey twice before getting a reaction. The second time around, big baby put the little one in line with a bit of rough-housing, followed by the briefest cuddle. Red-backed squirrel monkeys, arguable to cutest of Costa Rica's primates. Golfito, CR.

Monkeying Around

The human qualities and behaviour among monkeys is almost uncanny. The little fellow antagonized his / her older brother jumping on the larger monkey twice before getting a reaction. The second time around, big baby put the little one in line with a bit of rough-housing, followed by the briefest cuddle. Red-backed squirrel monkeys, arguable to cutest of Costa Rica's primates. Golfito, CR.

Squirrely Siblings

The human qualities and behaviour among monkeys is almost uncanny. The little fellow antagonized his / her older brother jumping on the larger monkey twice before getting a reaction. The second time around, big baby put the little one in line with a bit of rough-housing, followed by the briefest cuddle. Red-backed squirrel monkeys, arguable to cutest of Costa Rica's primates. Golfito, CR.

Monkey Mama

Red-backed squirrel monkeys are probably the cutest and my favourite of the 4 recognized monkey species within this country. On my previous visit, nearly a decade ago, these cutie pies were very scarce in the areas I visited. This time around, there were hordes of them in the South-Pacific part of the country. There is no wildlife experience quite like watching monkeys do their thing! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Los Monos

Red-backed squirrel monkeys are probably the cutest and my favourite of the 4 recognized monkey species within this country. On my previous visit, nearly a decade ago, these cutie pies were very scarce in the areas I visited. This time around, there were hordes of them in the South-Pacific part of the country. There is no wildlife experience quite like watching monkeys do their thing! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Parental Portrait

Red-backed squirrel monkeys are probably the cutest and my favourite of the 4 recognized monkey species within this country. On my previous visit, nearly a decade ago, these cutie pies were very scarce in the areas I visited. This time around, there were hordes of them in the South-Pacific part of the country. There is no wildlife experience quite like watching monkeys do their thing! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Cute Creatures

Monkeys really do have some of the funniest antics! The baby red-backed squirrel monkeys oscillated between hassling one-another and watching me. Golfito, Costa Rica.

Monkey Mania

Red-backed squirrel monkeys are probably the cutest and my favourite of the 4 recognized monkey species within this country. On my previous visit, nearly a decade ago, these cutie pies were very scarce in the areas I visited. This time around, there were hordes of them in the South-Pacific part of the country. There is no wildlife experience quite like watching monkeys do their thing! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Maternal Monkey

A baby red-backed squirrel monkey nurses from his / her mama. This scene struck me as so very humanesque, but much cuter! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Family Fun

Red-backed squirrel monkeys are probably the cutest and my favourite of the 4 recognized monkey species within this country. On my previous visit, nearly a decade ago, these cutie pies were very scarce in the areas I visited. This time around, there were hordes of them in the South-Pacific part of the country. There is no wildlife experience quite like watching monkeys do their thing! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Double Trouble

Red-backed squirrel monkeys are probably the cutest and my favourite of the 4 recognized monkey species within this country. On my previous visit, nearly a decade ago, these cutie pies were very scarce in the areas I visited. This time around, there were hordes of them in the South-Pacific part of the country. There is no wildlife experience quite like watching monkeys do their thing! Golfito, Costa Rica.

Peek-a-Boo

A baby red-backed squirrel monkey plays peekaboo with me through a gap in the leaves! Golfito, Costa Rica.