Monkey Business

Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies

One of the things that Nevis is known for is being home to the Green Vervet Monkey.  The population of monkeys is said to exceed the population of people by at least 2X.  They have lived on the island since being brought over by the French as pets in the  17th and 18th centuries.  Over the years they have formed wild colonies and exist throughout Nevis, St. Kitts and Barbados.

Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies

One of the most reliable places to spot monkeys is on the golf course at the Four Seasons.  During our visit, we took a golf course tour hoping to see the monkeys.  And see we did!

Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies

While generally harmless, they are wild animals and can become aggressive when there is food around.  As is too often the case, someone on our tour decided to bring bananas and managed to feed some to the monkeys before our guide noticed.  She was not pleased.

Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Green Vervet monkeys on the golf course at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies

The biggest problem with the monkeys is that they tend to eat crops, especially favoring mangos and other fruit.  And instead of eating the whole fruit they’ll take a bite and throw the rest away.  We were told that farmers will go to great lengths to protect their crops from these invaders.

Golf course tour at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Golf course tour at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies

So while these are mostly tourist photos, they help illustrate the story, and provide another educational element of travel! 😉

Golf course tour at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies
Golf course tour at Four Seasons, Nevis West Indies

6 thoughts on “Monkey Business”

  1. And just when did you find time to go running off to Nevis? Geez! You do get around! 🙂

    I remember seeing a lot of similar monkeys in India. All very bright, cunning, and just waiting for an opportunity to get whatever food they could get (steal).

    1. Well, we have very carefully determined priorities, Paul! We have a few things on the burner for next year and will share when they are actually on the calendar. Now that we’ve done wine, bourbon and rum, we may need to take a crack at some more exotic spirits. 😉

  2. Wow, another trip and another fine series of images. I also like image number 2. I’m with your guide and would not want tourists feeding the animals. I see that happen in RMNP.

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