Monkey Forest

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving." 

1 Timothy 4:4

We found a couple hours late in the afternoon to go for a walk in the Monkey Forest.  Below are pictures of the special folks we visited.  They weren't interested in having any gospel teachings, but they do live a good family life and contribute to the well being of their community.

This late baby is only six weeks old.  It will turn from black to brown as it gets older.  The males use the babies to socialize with other males so they can safely get along.  The babies are carried around by everyone in the colony.  This is a male who had been carrying the baby under his tummy and the little guy wanted to see us when the big guy sat down.  The mother and daughter monkeys stay close friends all of their lives.  These monkeys are originally from North Africa--Morocco and parts of Algeria.  There are only about 10,000 of them in the world.

This is the species in the monkey forest near where we live.  Many scientists are able to study them here in their habitat.

Isn't he handsome and intelligent looking?

Big Budda

This pheasant was hanging out amongst the monkeys

Fruit, corn, potatoes, and other healthy foods are thrown out to supplement their diets

Interesting face

Another photo?  Ho hum, you humans, can't I just relax?

I must admit, I am lovely

This is like their natural habitat.  There are 60 acres like this for 140 of them to roam.

This is a way of being a loving family, not necessarily always looking for parasites

Handsome profile.  Do I need a shave?

An older baby.

A baby hitching a ride on a male.  As the male walked by another male, he gently pulled the baby off his back and put him on his own back.

Pretty girl

She is eating something out of oak leaves

Still working on the oak leaf

Cutie is still with a big male (not necessarily his father)

Little lad looks like an old man

It's nice to have rides with everyone

Elder Blain on the trail through the monkey forest. 

Interesting old trees everywhere

Several of the trees grew around rocks.  Good object lesson here.  Never let anything stop your progression.

Grow over and around your challenges . . .

Build strong roots so stumbling blocks and hardship will not overcome you.

Stand tall and let your light shine.

Even though darkness surrounds you . . .

Build your house upon the rock (our Savior) of salvation and you shall not fall

As we were leaving the moneys, this guy came by and gave us "the look," like get lost already!

A skydiver caught in the upper right hand corner of the park

We do not know who the statue is of standing on the hill in the background

Beautiful deer ran across the road as we were leaving.  These are a smaller spicies than the ones we are used to seeing in the Western U.S.

The holly is ready for Christmas already--an interesting study in contrast of seasons

The sky was pretty and the statue on the hill is between the twigs

Leaving the Monkey Forest as snapped going down the road

At our morning teaching appointment, we spotted this rose still hanging on

It was a beautiful day!