Baboon Sanctuary, Bermudian Landing, Belize – April 18, 2016

First full day in Belize, it’s time to go visit some of the sights in and around Burrel Boom, Belize. My first stop is the Baboon Sanctuary, which is located about 13.5 km due west, on the same road as the Black Orchid Resort where I am staying. I started out early since I was told that the monkeys are most active early in the mornings, or late in the afternoons. The visitor center is just a small barn-looking structure located on the left-hand side of the road, after re-crossing the Belize River and located in Bermudian Landing. It’s not a big place and you could drive right by it if you did not know where and what it is all about.

  

Inside the visitor center, you will find great information on both the sanctuary, its guides, history of the area, and of course the Howler Monkeys. Apparently, the guides are local women who have been trained and educated on the howler monkeys located within the sanctuary and receive extra money for their services when needed. This goes a long way in providing monies for both the sanctuary and the guides that work there. 

Since I was part of a small group of visitors to the center this day (only 2 other people), we got a very personal tour and our guide was very well versed in the howler monkeys, flora and fauna found here. She knew where to go to find the monkeys, and once found, they recognized her and even came down out of the treetops to greet her. The troop we found consisted of an alpha male and his mate, along with a number of juveniles, and one baby. In total, there were about seven monkeys.

 

I was able to get a short video of the monkeys, while the alpha male started to howl as prompted by our guide. You just can’t believe the amount of noise and how deep a tone the howler monkey makes.

The howler monkeys are getting endangered by the expansion of humans, and the deforestation of the rain forests.

This tour lasted about 3 hours and was well worth the time and money to experience. I highly recommend that if you get the chance to visit Belize, make this one of your stops while in Country.

My next blog will be about Altun Ha, one of the many Mayan Ruins found throughout Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras.