We've just spent two days in Manuel Antonio on the SW coast.
The small and local National Park is visited by MANY people, but is still a beautiful spot although it is being worn down, especially along the main trails. Because of the "wear-and-tear", the park is now closed on Mondays.
We did see quite a few new species of birds and four-legged mammals.
The slow and sluggish sloth (with two toes on its front feet) was a treat to see. This animal sees the world upside-down, so it is almost tempting to let him do a "180"!
However, most of the action we heard and saw in the canopy and on the ground was due to monkeys.
 |
| Female Howler Monkey with her newborn under the belly. |
The largest were the Mantled Howler Monkeys, who live their lives in the tree tops.
 |
| White-faced Capuchin. |
The medium sized primates in these forests are the capuchins. They are quick, fast-thinking guys who like to hang around in gangs. Some have (unfortunately) developed a taste for stealing foods (or any bags, really) from unsuspecting tourists/park visitors.
After the robbery, they are quick to devour the prize. Inedible stuff is thrown away. They can even un-zip people's bags to get the goodies inside.
 |
| Red-backed Squirrel Monkey. |
The small size primate is probably also the cutest.
They formed a big lively group in the trees, especially around our hotel, and did all kinds of funny and acrobatic stunts while playing and chasing each other.
It appears to be obvious that (except for the tail/no tail) the amiable monkey "Curious George" (Peter Pedal) in the popular children's books should have been cast over the model of a Red-backed Squirrel Monkey.
