The Jungle Place in Chemuyil - Amazing!!!

[Michele]

I don't think it's any kind of secret that my husband loves monkeys. I mean really, really loves them. For some kids, the wish every year at Christmas is for a puppy. Others, like myself become obsessed with horses. For Rob, it was all about the monkeys and it's an interest he has held onto even into adulthood. You can imagine my delight when, in the process of planning a spectacular weekend to celebrate my sweetie's 40th, I stumbled upon some interesting comments on the web about a spider monkey sanctuary just down the road in Chemuyil! This mysterious habitat, The Jungle Place, sounded like just the right kind of unforgetable destination for Rob and the kids to enjoy together on his birthday.

See more here!!

[Big Fish]

Well Michelle - you have a real knack for portraying your experiences thru your writing and pictures.....I could not have said what you said any better.....

We went to the Jungle Place last month with our kids where they spent probably almost 2 hrs playing with "Maya" and friends also! They are still talking about it and in fact just this morning my 9 yo son is doing a presentation at school about this visit and Spider Monkeys. He had to put off his turn to present from y/day to today as we forgot his 'Jungle Place T-shirt' to wear!

It was so cool to watch the interaction between the monkeys and the kids - they had so much fun acting like human jungle gyms! I, like you documented the encounter on film from the outside and towards the end, one of the monkeys kept holding my hand thru the fence - Heidi said she wanted me to go in - so I did. One of the other one's (not the monkey that invited me in!) quickly hopped into my arms - there was a small sulky cuffuffle (best described as a monkey spat I suppose!) as the monkey that had invited me in 'told off' the one that was in my arms! All got sorted as 1 hopped off and the other hopped into my arms and would not let go - just like babies are with their mums when they don't want to go to someone else! Priceless and quite the memorable experience.

This place is truly amazing and really worth a visit. FYI they don't allow large groups as it makes the monkeys nervous and you must phone ahead to arrange a time.

[HAWKEYE]

Michele, that was so good!
Needless to say the whole family enjoyed this!

Is there a way to get there other than car?
$$$ ?

Thank's for a real great start to my day.
Craig.

[Michele]

BigFish, I am so glad your son was so affected by his experience that he chose to share it with his class. I think that is exactly the point. To make people aware that everywhere, there are fragile bits of our world that are often exploited or taken for granted and need protecting. I could not do what people like Heidi and Joel and Andy and Jen do everyday. I am too selfish and I like my freedom. That being said, Getting the word out about this place and those like it is how I can help and make a difference.

Thank you for the nice words!!


Heidi's email address is info[at]thejungleplace.com
Website address www[dot]thejungleplace[dot]com

Do make arrangements in advance!!!

[penalipee]

Michele...what great pictures!! Especially the one with the two monkeys on Rob's shoulders. Wow....looks like you all had a wonderful time. My kids would love to go there, personally I am a little creeped out by monkeys. (Too many Stephen King movies)

[Michele]

Originally Posted by penalipee

Michele...what great pictures!! Especially the one with the two monkeys on Rob's shoulders. Wow....looks like you all had a wonderful time. My kids would love to go there, personally I am a little creeped out by monkeys. (Too many Stephen King movies)

Your kids would love it!! Don't worry if you don't dig monkeys. You don't have to go in the cage. Just claim the role of staff photographer as I did.

[ronp3660]

My wife, Stephanie, and I were fortunate enough to spend a couple of hours with Heidi and Joel last June. Two of the best hours of our entire vacation. Highly recommended as is Leo's Pizza in town for a late lunch. Bring along extra money because Heidi and Joel put ever penny towards the care of the animals, their home and their food and medical care. Wonderful people and very educational experience. We look forward to a return visit.

[equinenut]

Who's obsessed with horses??

But all sarcasm aside, once again you've come up with something interesting. Thanks so much for all you contribute to the forum. I know I get a lot of great info from you and your trip reports. BTW, LOVED the Belize TR!

[Michele]

Originally Posted by equinenut

Who's obsessed with horses??

But all sarcasm aside, once again you've come up with something interesting. Thanks so much for all you contribute to the forum. I know I get a lot of great info from you and your trip reports. BTW, LOVED the Belize TR!

Thank you for the nice words. Starting this blog is the best thing I have done for my family and myself. Everyday, I wake up and think "What new and interesting thing can I do today!?" I keeps me out of the "Playa rut" (you Playa locals know what I am talking about) and really looking at what I have around me everyday. I am glad you enjoy it too!!

[karona]

Thanks Michelle, What a fun read. I was one of those kids who always wanted a monkey too!! I will definately go to visit there some day, hopefully in November when I get back that way.

[Mogley]

Originally Posted by penalipee

Michele...what great pictures!! Especially the one with the two monkeys on Rob's shoulders. Wow....looks like you all had a wonderful time. My kids would love to go there, personally I am a little creeped out by monkeys. (Too many Stephen King movies)

Ditto!!

[Ulysses]

For anyone who has been to The Jungle Place, is it within walking distance of highway 307? A few of us are considering taking a colectivo from Playa down to Chemuyil, where I assume the colectivo will drop us off, but we'd have to walk down the road from there.
I've google earth to look at the area to try to get an exact location on the dirt road, but I see 2 cenotes, so I'm not sure just how far the place is down the road.
I would consider anything within 2-3 miles definitely walkable.

[Rissask]

Very interesting, thanks Michele. The pictures of them climbing on your husband are great. I have had a lifelong love of monkeys and apes too, it's my dream to interact with chimps one day.



We have seen tame spider monkeys both on an Altournative 'Mayan Encounter' tour and one little female at Aktun Chen- she was very mischievious...and not nearly so well looked after I don't think.

Why did you say these monkeys would have 'no chance' of survival in the wild? because they are tame now?

[Michele]

Originally Posted by Ulysses

For anyone who has been to The Jungle Place, is it within walking distance of highway 307? A few of us are considering taking a colectivo from Playa down to Chemuyil, where I assume the colectivo will drop us off, but we'd have to walk down the road from there.
I've google earth to look at the area to try to get an exact location on the dirt road, but I see 2 cenotes, so I'm not sure just how far the place is down the road.
I would consider anything within 2-3 miles definitely walkable.

I actually think, for me, it would be a bit of a walk but is probably less than 3 miles. What you could do is take the colectivo to the pueblo, walk into town and grab a cab. If it's a hot day, that white sascab road could be a killer.

[Michele]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Why did you say these monkeys would have 'no chance' of survival in the wild? because they are tame now?

Yes, that and because some of the monkeys were so mistreated that they are clinically crazy and would never be accepted by another group of monkeys. Without a "family" group to belong to spider monkeys will not survive long.