The Monkey Farm in Costa Rica is transforming lives by combining animal rescue, trauma recovery, and educational initiatives that serve both people and the planet.
A Vision of Healing and Empowerment
In the lush heart of Costa Rica, there exists a unique sanctuary where the healing of animals and humans is intertwined. The Monkey Farm, founded by Vicki Conley in 2013, began as a small rescue center for monkeys, but it quickly evolved into a multifaceted hub of hope, healing, and education. What makes this farm so extraordinary is that it’s not just about saving animals—it’s about saving people. With a focus on community support and the power of education, The Monkey Farm is revolutionizing the way we think about recovery, empowerment, and sustainable living.
The Birth of a Community-Focused Mission
What started as a passion project between a Californian founder and a pair of adventurous international volunteers from Finland and Croatia grew into something much greater than initially imagined. The vision for The Monkey Farm was simple: to create a self-sustaining rescue center where animals could be saved, and people could be healed. By 2014, The Monkey Farm had transformed from a small farm to a vibrant center of activity. Volunteers from around the world began to join the cause, helping build aquaponics systems, tend to animals, and live in harmony with the environment.
However, the true breakthrough came when Vicki realized that the farm could do more than just rescue animals. With the local community facing challenges like homelessness, The Monkey Farm’s work began to extend beyond animal welfare. In 2015, the farm started offering free meals to the homeless of Playas del Coco every Tuesday, alongside a message of hope. This marked the beginning of the farm’s commitment to community empowerment, a value that has shaped its growth ever since.
Healing Through Education: The Monkey Farm’s Legacy
The idea that education could be a pathway to healing became a core tenet of The Monkey Farm’s mission. In 2016, Vicki and the volunteers began teaching free English classes to local adults, allowing them to improve their job prospects and gain the skills necessary for a better future. These classes became a lifeline for many families, offering more than just language skills—they provided an avenue for empowerment and growth. The Monkey Farm’s educational initiatives have continued to evolve, including new programs designed to engage local youth and men in recovery.
One of the farm’s most successful educational endeavors is its “Interactive English” program. Launched in 2023, this initiative allows men in the recovery program to practice real conversation with visitors from around the world, building confidence and real-world skills. This program not only enhances job prospects for the men but fosters cross-cultural connections that are invaluable in today’s globalized world.
A Unique Approach to Addiction Recovery
In 2019, The Monkey Farm introduced a groundbreaking addition to its work—an addiction recovery program that combines faith, trauma healing, and hands-on farm work. Initially sparked by two homeless men who sought refuge from addiction, the farm’s recovery program has grown into a robust, faith-based, and community-focused initiative. What makes The Monkey Farm’s program different from traditional addiction recovery centers is its holistic approach.
The farm’s recovery program includes not only spiritual counseling and traditional recovery classes but also trauma-informed therapy and equine therapy. The men in recovery live and work on the farm, developing valuable skills like gardening, animal care, and construction, while healing their emotional wounds through therapy and faith. The results have been transformative, with many of the men finding new hope and a sense of purpose that they had lost during their struggles with addiction. In 2022, The Monkey Farm became the first free residential recovery center to integrate natural horsemanship therapy, a move that has deepened the healing process for the men.
Expanding the Reach
The growth of The Monkey Farm continues to accelerate. In 2024, the farm celebrated major milestones, including breaking ground on a new dormitory to house 16 more men in the recovery program. This expansion, combined with the delivery of mobile container units for additional staff housing, will allow The Monkey Farm to provide more support to those in need and further solidify its role as a community leader in Costa Rica.
The farm’s work is also gaining international recognition. In 2023, it was named one of TripAdvisor’s Top 10% of Global Experiences, a testament to the incredible impact the farm has had on both local communities and tourists alike. The Monkey Farm also earned the prestigious Gold Transparency Seal from GuideStar, recognizing the farm’s commitment to transparency and effective use of funds.
Join the Movement of Healing and Empowerment
The Monkey Farm isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a movement. Through its innovative combination of animal rescue, addiction recovery, and education, The Monkey Farm is changing lives, one person at a time. If you believe in the power of community, healing, and education, there’s a way for you to get involved. Whether you want to book a farm tour, make a donation, or join a mission team, your involvement helps further the farm’s mission to serve those in need.
To learn more about how you can contribute to The Monkey Farm’s efforts, visit The Monkey Farm’s website today. Your support is the key to unlocking the next chapter of transformation and empowerment for the community. Together, we can create lasting change.
