Praying to the Monkey Gods

While Scott’s parents were visiting us in San Diego, the four of us took a trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I’m usually not a big fan of zoos because it makes me sad when animals are caged, but I was able to learn a little about how the Wild Animal Park is different than most zoos.

They are a non-profit organization which focuses on conservation and education. In addition to being a large breeding facility for endangered animals, I also like the fact that most of the large animals remain in a somewhat natural environment.

This photo of a Colobus Monkey was taken just before the park closed. I was enamored with these creatures who would jump from the trees with little effort, allowing their long shoulder hair to act like a parachute. The name “Colobus” means “mutilated one” and they were given this name because this particular species of monkeys do not posses thumbs.

In this photo it appears as if the monkey is praying to the sky. Just before I took the photo he was scratching himself. He ended his scratching fit by holding his arm in the air and letting his head fall back almost as if he was deeply satisfied.

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