There is a small island in the middle of the Homosassa River that has been the home to some spider monkeys (Ateles spp) since the 1960s. The original group of monkeys had been imported for use in polio research, but when they were no longer needed, they went to a number of different zoos including the one that is located in Homosassa Springs, where I worked for several years before starting vet school. In the 1960’s zoo, the monkeys became difficult to deal with, so they were moved to the island. They and their descendants have lived there ever since. Over the years, the structures on the island became rather run down and were well below what the Fish and Wildlife Commission requires for housing primates. The monkeys were removed from the island for a short time while the structures were rebuilt and updated, but now they have been returned to their home. On Saturday, my Mom and I went down to Homosassa to have a drink and see the monkeys now that they have returned. It was nice to see that they seemed quite content with their new house, swings, and even a porch with little Adirondack chairs and air conditioning (they have a nicer, although smaller, house than I do). When we first arrived the three of them were lounging in the shade of one of their palm trees. Later on we observed them eating, playing, climbing trees, and sitting on their porch (but not in the cute little monkey sized chairs). They seem to be happy with their new house and toys and I’m sure they are happy to be home.