After an early get up and 7am flight, we arrived at Fundació Mona after breakfast and just in time to see the two groups, the Family group and the Bachelor group, released into their respective enclosures. Being up in the rear viewing tower gives you an amazing view over the two enclosures. We were welcomed by a number of the Family group who proceeded to stamp their feet and throw mud, quite a welcome I must admit! After spending the morning just simply watching these amazing animals interact with each other, play and explore, we returned after lunch to see the association of Mona's newest chimp, Tom, and Marco. This was a real treat to witness, albeit at times a little heart breaking as Marco wasn't keen on being friends with Tom and Tom was just wanting to be Marco's friend! This all took place in the two adjoining outdoor cages so the carers, Amelia and Didi, could easily give the chimps food and water during the association and also try and encourage them to interact. Even though Marco wasn't too keen and Tom, in the end, left feeling slightly dejected the association went quite well, with round two being planned for a day or two after.

Before we knew it food preparation was upon us and we were preparing the dinners and breakfasts for all of the chimps and macaques. First up was the rice balls, these are given to the chimps before bed time alongside some juice, which were made by simply rolling up freshly cooked, and very hot, rice. We then spent the next hour cutting and weighing an assortment of fruit and vegetables, which needs to be weighed precisely for each chimp and also given the same size amounts otherwise they get jealous of each others food! This pretty much lead us up to the end of the day and closer to a much needed sleep, surprising how exhausting it was!

Day two was quite literally a wash out. The heavens opened which meant all the chimps were inside and the chance of seeing round two of Tom and Marco's association washed away. After a lot of playing with Enzo, the resident Mona dog who must be the softest guard dog ever, I was lucky enough to see dinner time with some of the Bachelor group. I was sat in front of Nico, Tico and Victor. It was amazing to be so close to them and just to simply watch them having their dinner and later making their beds. Tico in particular made his bed by collecting up all of the straw and dragging it in around him to make himself a little nest. He then proceeded to lie back and relax, definitely a very comfortable chimp!

All in all the visit was amazing, with the chimps being so incredible and with all of the workers and volunteers at Mona being such lovely people! I would recommend this this truly inspiring holiday!  Thanks Mona! Michael Wilson.

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