Where the Wild Things Are!

by Marcelle Gianelloni

Of all the different places I have visited around the world, the tropical rainforest in South America is one of my favorites. Now, I have to admit, this was not the easiest trip, but it was well worth the extra effort. Why? Here are a few facts about this part of the world that might give you an idea.

This young woolly monkey was saved from the “cooking pot” and is interacting with a rescued saki monkey.

This young woolly monkey was saved from the “cooking pot” and is interacting with a rescued saki monkey.

Rainforests are found mostly around the equator where rainfall comes in abundance. Try 100 to 180 inches of rain or precipitation a year! Here in Kentucky we have an average of only 45 inches a year. There is no such thing as cold weather in these regions. Forget about living in a place where you can experience winter, spring…or fall. It’s like summer all year round. No need for a winter coat for sure.

Did you know that more than half of the animals and plants that exist on the planet are found in the rainforest? When walking through the rain forest, all of your senses provide evidence of the diversity of life around you. You will hear all kinds of animal sounds — monkeys chirping, macaws squawking, frogs croaking, and insects buzzing. You can smell orchids hidden way up in the canopy. If you are not careful, you might feel the sting from an ant. And as far as using your sense of taste, you can try one of the many tropical fruits found here, or else taste your own salty sweat as it drips over your lips. The humidity is intense.

Marcelle and Silvia exploring the river near the Caparú

Marcelle and Silvia exploring the river near the Caparú

Silvia Zirkelbach, one of our keepers who has worked at the Zoo for 31 years and is our resident woolly monkey expert, and I traveled to the “Amazona” part of Colombia a few years ago. Despite how long it has been, Silvia and I still fondly reminisce about our almost three weeks visiting two biologists dedicated to studying monkeys like woolly monkeys, spider monkeys, black uakaris, and all kinds of small monkeys like titis. While we were learning about life in the rainforest, we had the opportunity to observe a total of 16 orphaned monkeys that lived around the camp. We were their guests and they reminded us about it all the time. I loved waking up in the morning to all the monkey and bird chatter. Best alarm clock I ever had!

Marcelle with her furry roommate

Marcelle with her furry roommate

One of the best parts of the experience was our very special roommate. The night we arrived after a six hour trip on the river in a typical “lancha” during a torrential storm, hiking through the forest, squishing and swashing through the mud, our host, Dr. Sara Bennett, informed us that a Black-mantle tamarin, Saguinus nigricollis, would be sharing the cabin with us. Little “Tiny” had been orphaned and rescued by Sara. We were told that she slept in the cabin at night and would disappear during the day through a crack in the wall. Since we had arrived late at night, “Tiny” was nowhere to be found. But to my surprise when I awoke at 5:30 the next morning, there she was next to my pillow, staring at me and grooming my hair. Knowing that when monkeys do this to each other it means you’re a pal, I was aware that this was her way of saying I was her new friend. After a few minutes she rolled over on her back for me to groom her, which I did to her delight. She then hopped across the room and did the same thing with Silvia. Then I looked up and, through the screen, I saw three woolly monkeys staring down at us. I was in heaven. What a great way to start my day! There was not a day that we did not experience the biodiversity of the rainforest — snakes, tarantulas, birds galore, lots of insects, a few caimans, and of course, monkeys.

Being immersed in such a vibrant and unique environment was an incredible way to learn about this amazing part of the world. Yes, it was hot and uncomfortable at times, and I came home with a few bug bites, but it was a small price to pay to experience one of the most spectacular ecosystems on our planet.

Now you can imagine why this was one of my best trips ever. I welcome you to learn about this fragile part of the world. And don’t forget that what you do on a daily basis has an impact on special places like this.

Originally published in Trunkline Magazine, Sept. 2014.