The Monkey Farm: Where Adventure Meets Community Healing in Costa Rica

Imagine stepping into a place where adventure and healing collide—where the air is filled with the sounds of monkeys, the smell of fresh produce, and the undeniable sense of purpose. At The Monkey Farm in Costa Rica, visitors don’t just explore the jungle—they contribute to a greater mission. Founded in 2013 by Vicki Conley, The Monkey Farm started as a small, self-sustaining monkey rescue center. But over time, it evolved into one of the most unique community-serving forces in Central America. What sets The Monkey Farm apart isn’t just its animals or its tours—it’s the fact that 100% of the proceeds go directly back into local community services. Every visit, every farm tour, every horseback ride funds free initiatives that benefit those in need.

The Monkey Farm’s journey began with a passionate vision: to create a sanctuary not only for monkeys but for the people of Playas del Coco. In its early days, the farm was a humble rescue center, focused solely on saving and rehabilitating monkeys. Volunteers from around the globe came to help transform the property into a thriving center, growing food through aquaponics systems, milking goats for dairy products, and raising chickens, ducks, and turkeys for eggs. Yet, Vicki’s vision wasn’t confined to animals alone—it extended to the community.

By 2015, as the farm’s production outgrew its own needs, the team began giving back, starting with a weekly hot stew for the homeless. This simple gesture marked the beginning of an ongoing commitment to serve the local community, providing food and hope to those in need. By 2016, the farm expanded its efforts, offering free English classes to local adults, helping them secure better jobs and improve their quality of life.

But the farm’s evolution didn’t stop there. In 2017, it began offering free equine therapy to children with special needs, and the results were transformative. Children with cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome found new hope through the horses, and one young boy, once told he would never walk, was seen joyfully pushing other children in their wheelchairs. This miracle moment epitomized the heart of The Monkey Farm—a place where healing wasn’t just a possibility, but a reality.

By 2019, the farm had expanded its focus to include addiction recovery. After witnessing the transformation of two homeless men who sought help at the farm to escape addiction, The Monkey Farm introduced its free, faith-based residential program, modeled after the successful Teen Challenge program. It was a leap into the unknown, but the results were undeniable. Men in recovery began to heal from trauma, rebuild their lives, and reconnect with their communities. Through a blend of faith, equine therapy, and deep emotional support, the farm became a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction.

The pandemic of 2020 forced The Monkey Farm to adapt again. The team discovered that addiction was not the root cause but rather a symptom of unhealed trauma. With this realization, they began to incorporate trauma healing into their recovery program, blending faith, animal care, and emotional healing. The impact was powerful, with men overcoming years of pain and suffering through this holistic approach.

In 2021, The Monkey Farm took another step forward, welcoming its first full-time staff member, a former senior pastor from Liberia who had his own recovery journey. With his guidance, the farm’s recovery program deepened, offering personal counseling, recovery classes, and a wealth of wisdom to the men in their care. By 2022, The Monkey Farm became the first free addiction recovery center in the world to integrate natural horsemanship therapy, further strengthening their approach and helping men learn vital life skills like trust, patience, and emotional control.

As the farm grew, so did its recognition. It was named among TripAdvisor’s Top 10% of Experiences Worldwide and awarded the Gold Transparency Seal from GuideStar, an honor held by fewer than 2% of nonprofits globally. These accolades are a testament to the farm’s success and its unwavering commitment to the community.

The Monkey Farm is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a community-driven force for good. Every visit, every donation, and every horse ride directly supports local initiatives, from addiction recovery to feeding the homeless and providing free community services. As they work toward becoming an officially certified addiction recovery center in Costa Rica, your support is more vital than ever. To learn more about the farm, book a tour, or make a donation, visit The Monkey Farm’s website. Your involvement can help continue the farm’s legacy of healing, transformation, and community empowerment. Together, we can create lasting change and help even more lives flourish.