It all started with a baby monkey known as Melikki. Melikki landed in the arms of Morrillo Beach Eco Resort owners Ryan and Cari Mackey in October 2021 after her mother died from electrocution of the high power lines and fell on the ground with Melikki on her back. Melikki was rescued by the Foundation for the Conservation of Primates of Panama and brought to the Mackeys for fostering until she could be released.

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“As you can easily imagine, this sweet little nugget immediately filled our hearts, gave our lives a new purpose, and created a fierce devotion to her successful release back into the jungle where she belongs with the other monkeys,” said Cari Mackey. She was on the road to success, but unfortunately, after nine months and guidance from a primate specialist, Melikki passed in July 2022. Following the loss of Melikki, Mackey continues her dedication to wildlife with fervor.

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This first started with years of phone calls, emails, and pleas to do something about the power lines that continually electrocute the wildlife in the area. After many efforts, they finally succeeded in March 2023. They fully insulated the power lines that border the Eco Resort as a private group of electricians worked into the night to switch out the power lines in place with insulated cable. The team’s next step is to continue with solar installation while they tackle deforestation head-on with tree planting so that even guests can be a part of planting. Now, they are thrilled to dedicate their Primate Rescue Center to Melikki and be a source for other injured monkeys as of March, 2024.

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To help the Primate Rescue Center come to life, the Mackeys turned to fellow Coloradan, Dr. Matt Rooney DVM. Rooney is a surgical specialist with extensive experience in wildlife care, especially endangered species. With a veterinary degree from Colorado State University, his experience spans working with mountain gorillas in Africa, rehabilitating parrots in Guatemala, and conducting zoological disease research at institutions such as the Denver Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Rooney serves as a board member for the Primate Rescue Center.

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The center, beginning with a 250-square-foot clinic, will focus on treating and rehabilitating up to four animals at a time. Animals will be housed in isolation enclosures to recover and gradually transition back to the wild under a strict, hands-off care policy. The facility's ultimate goal is always to release animals back into their natural habitats.

 

The Primate Rescue Center aims to be a vital resource for both wildlife and the surrounding community. Guests at Morrillo Beach Eco Resort will be able to observe the animals from a respectful distance, learn about conservation efforts through live feeds like the MonkeyCam, and see firsthand how the resort’s initiatives contribute to protecting Panama’s incredible biodiversity.

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Local communities and Panama’s wildlife authorities will also benefit from the center, as it provides a much-needed facility for injured and orphaned animals in an area with limited resources for wildlife rehabilitation.

 

The opening of the Primate Rescue Center marks the beginning of a larger vision for

conservation in Panama. The team plans to expand its operations over time, drawing on the expertise of international wildlife organizations and establishing a model for responsible wildlife care in the region.

 

For the Mackeys and their collaborators, this project is about more than just providing care. It’s about inspiring others to join the fight for conservation. “It’s exciting to see how everyone, from our guests to the local community, wants to be a part of this journey," she said.

“This isn’t just about rehabilitating animals; it’s about fostering a connection to nature and reminding people that they have the power to make a difference.”

 

Guests staying at Morrillo Beach Eco Resort can look forward to being part of this exciting new chapter, experiencing the beauty of Panama while supporting its wildlife. To learn more about Morrillo Beach Eco Resort and its efforts, please visit the website and blog.