In early December 2011, I had the privilege of going to Costa Rica. Wow, what a great country! It is beautiful and filled with amazing animals. If you enjoy watching wildlife in their natural environment, I would strongly recommend a trip to Costa Rica.
During a boat trip through a national park, I recorded the following video. Please listen closely and name this monkey.
Diagnosis: Mantled Howler Monkey
Mantled howler monkeys are known for their eery vocalizations. This male started calling after he heard another male across the river. According to the Rainforest Alliance, howler monkeys are strict vegetarians eating flowers, fruits and leaves. They use their long tails to hang on to branches as they search for food. Once they have had enough, they sleep with their front and back legs straddling a branch. They spend their time in the forest canopy, rarely touching the ground. Seeing a family of monkeys in their natural habitat is something that I will never forget.