Safety Tips - for monkeys and people!

Here are the top ten priorities when viewing wildlife:

1. Safety: Always prioritize your safety and the safety of the animals. Keep a safe distance from the animals and avoid disturbing them. 

2. Respect: Respect the animals and their habitat. Do not litter or damage the environment. 

3. Patience: Be patient and wait for the animals to come to you. Do not chase or follow them. 

4. Binoculars: Use binoculars to view the animals from a safe distance. 

5. Camera: Bring a camera to capture the moment, but do not use flash photography as it can startle the animals. 

6. Time of day: The best time to view wildlife is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active. 

7. Location: Visit national wildlife refuges or other protected areas where wildlife is abundant. 

8. Guides: Consider hiring an experienced guide who can help you find and view wildlife safely and responsibly. 

9. Habitat: Learn about the animals' habitat and behavior to increase your chances of seeing them. 

10. Conservation: Support conservation efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. 

Here are some good rules for watching monkeys in the wild:

1. Give animals room: The best way to stay safe when watching wildlife is to give animals room to move. Many parks require you to stay a minimum distance of 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators (like bears and wolves) . If animals react to your presence, you are too close.

2. Do not disturb: Even if you are far enough away from the animals, you should not disturb them. Do not attempt to feed the monkeys or show them any food. This rule is in place to stop the monkeys from associating visitors with food and then developing a habit of begging or stealing. In doing so, the monkeys retain their self-dependency and you will have the unique opportunity to be in close proximity to these very relaxed creatures. 

3. Keep your cool with monkey fights: Monkeys don’t always get along, and it is important to keep your distance from them. If a staff member asks you to back away from a monkey, stay clear of an area within the forest, or gives you any other instruction, listen to them. They’re there for your safety and that of the monkeys. 

4. Store your belongings: Monkeys are known to steal items from visitors, so it is important to store your belongings safely. 

5. Don't look monkeys in the eye: Monkeys use eye contact to threaten one another. So, by looking a monkey in the eye, you could be seen as a threat and cause the monkey to act aggressively. 

6. Listen to park rules: Many parks have specific rules for watching wildlife, so it is important to check with the park before you visit.

By following these rules, you can safely and respectfully enjoy watching monkeys in the wild.