“The Ciénaga Marimonda gets its name from the spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps) that were once abundant here”. Tells Don William, leader of the local conservation project. Deforestation, grazing, and hunting almost eradicated the species, and the forest that was their home. “Most of the people here don't even know what species lives here”. One of Don William’s most effective strategies, he says, is through education: “taking kids to the forest, showing them what’s really important. And hopefully they go home and tell their parents the wonders of our nature”.

I was sent on an expedition with Neotropical Primate Conservation to document the work that Don William is making in this area. The short documentary was screened at the V Latin American Primatology Meeting in Pereira, Colombia