Jeff the Monkey's New Home: Monkey Lodge Panama

How is Jeff doing, you ask?  Well, three ladies left Coronado one morning this week and drove to Monkey Lodge, his new home and he has a new name, Marius.  Monkey Lodge (monkeylodgepanama.com) is a B&B and monkey sanctuary just outside of the City on the new highway to Colon.  It is in a peaceful setting, lots of trees and gentle breezes. Marius, has two sister monkeys that are spider monkeys like him.  One, Lily is just 3 years old, Lolu the matriarch is 8 years old, at between 1 and 2 years Marius is the baby. 

The three spider monkeys have another friend, a Cappuccino monkey, who is not as friendly and doesn't like the ladies.  Lolu has mothered all the monkeys when they arrive allowing them to feel safe in their new home.

When we arrived Marius and the Cappuccino came over right away, the Cappuccino was not impressed that we all fawned over Marius giving him lots of attention.  Bananas were handed out to both monkeys, some were eaten others left on the ground while the monkeys showed off for us.

The yard is very large and secure, with large trees, ropes for swinging on, tire swings and lots of toys.  A great hit was the plastic car, normally used to push toddlers around in, but the monkeys had other ideas.  Marius wrapped his tail around the handle and ran across the yard towards us dragging it behind him; the other monkey jumped up and down banging the handle.

After we moved indoors Cilla went out into the yard and Marius climbed up her body and wrapped his arms, legs and tail around her.  If we came too close he would turn his head away from us and bury it in her neck.  He was smitten and had no intention of letting go, he was happy.  Lolu the older monkey came over slowly swinging from branch to rope to house eaves and then went into the upstairs room for her afternoon nap.  Lily came over, swinging from anything and everything, walking around us wanting to be part of activities.

We stayed for lunch, a special treat just for us as the Lodge serves dinner and breakfast only.  The meal was fabulous lightly curried chicken with rice and broccoli; dessert banana crepe drizzled with burnt sugar and rum.  The meal came with an option of beer, wine or soda followed by tea or coffee.

If you have company visiting this would be a fabulous overnight stay for them.  A unique opportunity to see the monkeys up close and enjoy the ambiance of the jungle while enjoying some luxuries.