There is an angel within the monkey struggling to get free, and this s what the historical crisis is all about. – Terence McKenna
Harmonia’s forest is alive with the presence of four species of monkeys, each with its own unique character, coloring, and interactions. One of the most fascinating aspects of life here is witnessing the playful and peaceful socialization between different species. At Harmonia, the lines between troupes and species often blur as the monkeys engage in what we call their “play dates,” where young monkeys learn from one another under the watchful eyes of their elders.
Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Color Variations: Yellow or Brown
Geoffroy’s Spider Monkeys are frequent visitors to Harmonia, easily recognized by their elegant, long-limbed bodies and their ability to move through the trees with remarkable grace. What’s most interesting about this species is that entire troupes are identical in color—either a striking yellow or a deep brown. Though the facial markings of the yellow and brown variants are largely the same, it is their distinct coloring that sets them apart. You’ll often see the yellow-colored troupes closer to the Pacific Ocean, while both color groups are common in the forests of Harmonia.
These monkeys are highly social, and despite their classification as aggressive and territorial in some field guides, we’ve only ever seen calm and peaceful interactions between them and other species at Harmonia. Whether swinging high in the canopy or observing their surroundings from lower branches, they are always in motion, exhibiting the kind of agility that earned them their name.
Ornate Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi ornatus)
Color: Orange
The ornate spider monkey is a rare and exciting sight at Harmonia, and its vibrant orange fur makes it instantly recognizable. Known affectionately as the “Sasquatch” among our team, this subspecies has become legendary for its shaggy, reddish hue. The first time we saw an orange spider monkey was during a horseback ride, a magical encounter that left even seasoned locals in awe. These orange monkeys are fewer in number, but their presence is unmistakable, particularly when the troupe moves in unison through the trees.
Unlike their more reserved yellow and brown cousins, the orange monkeys are notable for their highly sexual behavior. Often, you’ll catch sight of males wrapping their arms around two females, hugging them close while swaying their hips in a display of dominance and affection. They seem to be the exhibitionists of the spider monkeys, drawing attention with their bold and uninhibited behavior.
Interestingly, pregnant spider females at Harmonia often have a strong support system. Other females, both adult and juvenile, will stay close by, acting as “doulas” to help watch over and protect the expectant mother. Though this behavior is most common within their own species, we’ve observed capuchins occasionally keeping an eye on pregnant spider monkeys as well.
Panamanian White-faced Capuchin (Cebus imitator)
Color: Black and White
The white-faced capuchins at Harmonia are the curious explorers of the forest. Their dark fur contrasts beautifully with their bright white faces, making them easy to spot as they forage and interact with the world around them. They are the most playful and inquisitive of the monkey species, and we often see them engaging in activities that demonstrate their intelligence—whether it’s problem-solving to access food or playing games with one another in the treetops.
Capuchins are highly intelligent monkeys noted for their tool use, including rubbing plants over its body in an apparent use of herbal medicine and also using tools as weapons and for getting to the food. They are also highly social, spending more time together as a troupe and caring for its deceased infants. Dominant males tend to avoid breeding with their own daughters who are members of the troop, which is rare among New World primates.
A long-term study conducted at three different Costa Rican field sites reported several agonistic interactions between white-faced capuchins and mantled howlers and, in these cases, almost all of the aggressive behaviors were directed by the capuchins towards the howlers. The authors argue that capuchins are more likely to engage in interspecific aggressive behaviors as a result of their pugnacious temperament. From our own observations, we have never witnessed or heard of interspecies aggression at Harmonia. It is quote common to find the capuchins and howlers in the same tree, sometimes on the same branch just a few meters apart. It is truly harmony at Harmonia.
Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
Color: Black with Mantled Brown
The deep, resonating calls of the mantled howler monkeys are one of the most distinctive sounds at Harmonia. Known for their haunting howls, which can be heard for miles, these monkeys are gentle giants, with large, heavy bodies covered in dark black fur, and a distinctive brown mantle that gives them their name. Though their calls may sound aggressive to unfamiliar ears, howlers are typically calm and spend much of their time resting high in the trees.
Inter-Species “Play Dates”
One of the most remarkable behaviors we’ve observed at Harmonia is the peaceful socialization between different monkey species. It’s not uncommon to see Geoffroy’s spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and mantled howlers sharing the same space in harmony. These “play dates” often involve the younger members of each species learning to socialize together, playing in the treetops while the adults look on (alloparenting). We’ve seen as many as a dozen juveniles from different species coming together in the same area, while the adults keep a relaxed watch over them.
The only time we hear screeching or signs of aggression is during mating season or within troupes as they navigate internal dynamics. Otherwise, the species here seem to coexist peacefully, defying the common expectations of territorialism or inter-species conflict.
Monkey Midwives
At Harmonia, we’ve also observed something extraordinary when it comes to monkey births. When a spider monkey is about to give birth, a female or a few juvenile females will often stay close by, keeping watch over the expectant mother. Though spider monkeys are more solitary in birth compared to capuchins, the presence of other females offers a form of protection and support. Interestingly, capuchins seem to have a stronger birthing support system, with multiple females gathering around to assist a mother. But even so, it’s not unusual to see capuchins looking out for a pregnant spider monkey in the absence of her own species.
For more information about monkeys, check out these sites:
Monkey Spiritual Symbolism & What It Means To Dream Of Monkeys