June 29, 2006
Orchids, Macaws and Monkeys
Taken from yesterday's journal of the Pacific Explorer. The ship is currently on Day 6 of their Coast to Canal cruise, which travels from Panama to Costa Rica.
Yesterday, we visited visit Golfo Dulce, which translates literally as “sweet gulf.” The eastern shores are protected by islands and peninsulas which form a perfect harbor within the gulf.
We spent time at Casa Orquídeas Botanical Gardens. This is a private botanical garden cultivated by long-time local residents Ron and Trudy McAllister.
The McAllisters have lovingly landscaped this homestead for over 20 years. They first planted fruit trees simply to survive. As self taught botanists, they have amassed a wonderful collection of tropical fruit trees, bromeliads, cycads, palms, heliconias, ornamental plants, and more than 100 varieties of orchids, where their garden gets it’s name.
Our naturalists led walks around this beautiful garden area. The walks involve general nature observation and appreciation of the exotic and native plants here in this wonderful place. All of the walks cover the same terrain and are rated as easy. There are benches around the garden for breaks. Some of our guests chose to explore Casa Orquideas on their own. While others relaxed onboard or took time to swim from the boat.
In the afternoon, we visited Cana Blanca, a private reserve, owned by Carol and Earl Crews. Cana Blanca serves as a rehabilitation center for scarlet macaws.
Because macaws are fiercely protective of their young, poachers kill the parents in order to take the chicks from the nest. In the collection and shipping process, many of the chicks die. This illegal pet trade and habitat destruction are the challenges these birds face.
The Crews work with park rangers and MINAE (the department of the interior) to rehabilitate birds that have been taken illegally and return them to the wild. Some birds will never be able to be returned and they roam freely on the property.
In addition to the macaws, the Crews now are helping to rehabilitate monkeys. Papi, the oldest, is a female spider monkey who is not shy and will interact readily with strangers. Sweet pea is also a female spider monkey who is younger and a bit shy. Cabrini is a white-face capuchin monkey who is quite a character to watch and is full of energy. Duke, a male howler monkey, is quite shy, rarely leaving the neck of Carol or Earl.
Our evening was capped off with at presentation on The Biodiversity of Central America by Naturalist Rudy Zamora.
Posted by Pacific on June 29, 2006 9:35 AM
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