The Monkey Christmas

OcotalThe Monkey Farm

$1,126

Raised of $10,530 USD

Fundraising ended on Jan 05, 2014
28 supporters
10%%

About This Project

THE MONKEY FARM


The Monkey Farm in Costa Rica is a unique combination of organic farming and permaculture with wildlife rescue. Our farm is entirely volunteer-run
and attracts a wide variety of people from all over the world.


Fish


 


SUCCESS SO FAR


We succeeded in taking proactive measures against the electrocution of monkeys. This first phase took place in 2013 and cost approximately $24,000. All the electric transformers are now insulated, all cables
have sheilds protecting them and there are monkey bridges offering them a safe passage at dangerous spots. The farm is completely safe and secure for the monkeys now.



THE CHALLENGE


However, we have had real challenges to protect the monkeys' habitat and get our organic food production going, because every year in January-March human-initiated fires spread from the neighboring properties
and destroy everything.


Needless to say, this effectively evicts the howler and white-faced monkeys whose natural habitat is on and around the farm. After three horrifying fires in 14 months that wiped out all the vegetation we
had a decision to make: either we pack our bags and leave OR do something to ensure the fires can't spread.



Arm


THE SOLUTION


We decided to take a leap of faith and do something.


Our solution is to create a natural fire break, using farm animals to graze a fenced perimeter around the farm. To put up the fences and to get the animals we are looking to crowd source $15,000 before our
Grand Opening event on January 5th, 2014.


The Monkey Farm in the media:

Costa Rica Star


car


 


Hut


BE A PART OF IT


Due to the urgency of the issue, the campaign runs for a very short period of time. Let's act now; buy the animals, invest in the fire break and protect the monkeys' habitat... before it's too late! The
animals are not only organic lawn mowers but a long-term investment: they help us expand our organic Monkey Bites product range and to become self-sufficient.



Food


Give the monkeys a Christmas present or sell some of yours and contribute to this cause.
Donate now!


ABOUT THE REWARDS


World-acclaimed Argentinian under-water painter Carlos Hiller is a good friend of Vicki's. She purchased his paintings back in the day and is now willing to part with them for a good cause. Hiller’s works of
art are valued in thousands of dollars!



Painting


Carlos Hiller in action:


 


 

Use Of Funds

$10,530 Tipping Point Goal

 


We have a budget for two scenarios.


The bare necessities budget applies in case we only reach the tipping point, $10,000. We erect the fence ($8,120) with basic gates and get just a few animals ($1,880) to do the grazing.


If we reach our overall funding goal $15,000 we are able to fulfill the ideal scenario with more advanced fence ($9,120) and more animals ($5,880).


In case the donations exceed the overall goal, the surplus will be used for putting to work dozens of international volunteers. This is part of the next phase in our plan of actions.


Detailed budget here:
http://tinyurl.com/monkeychristmas-budget

$15,790 Stretch Goal


Latest News

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Rewards

Select Reward
$10.00

Certificate of Support: We email you a fancy certificate. All certificate holders are entitled to a free tour at the farm.

194 left

Select Reward
$15.00

IMMEDIATE REWARD - Season's Greetings Card: We send the card immediately in your email. You can print it out, add a handwritten greeting and give it to your friends or family this season, instead of the material gifts or with them. Contact us to have it customized to your language! Preview: http://tinyurl.com/monkeycard-en

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Select Reward
$25.00

International Fence: Get your Name and location on a fence post that we erect with your donation. Literally the most CONCRETE way to help!

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Select Reward
$50.00

Personalized postcard: We send you a very pretty postcard to thank you personally. And you get to be part of the fence!

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Select Reward
$80.00

Personalized "Thank You" Video: Dozens of international volunteers from different countries record a video of their stay at the farm and thank you in their own language. We compile it and send it to you in a few months' time.

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Select Reward
$100.00

Food for volunteers: Cover the weekly food expenses for one international volunteer. Once the gift is redeemed, this volunteer will contact you to give thanks in her own unique way.

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Select Reward
$200.00

REDEEMABLE AT THE FARM - Nature trail on horseback: Ride with Vicki or one of our volunteers (2-3 hours) and enjoy the beautiful nature!

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Select Reward
$300.00

REDEEMABLE AT THE FARM - Thanksgiving Goat: You get to name a goat and you are free to visit your goat any time during the year. For Thanksgiving we prepare you a nice personalized package of goat milk products.

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Select Reward
$400.00

Permaculture Knowledge Exchange: 5 two-hour online sessions in an exclusive group of like-minded participants from all over the world. Exchange knowledge and good case practices on homesteading, permaculture, organic farming and getting off-the-grid!

10 left

Select Reward
$500.00

REDEEMABLE AT THE FARM - Scenic Camping: 1-2 people get to spend up to 3 days in the pristine nature, right next to the farm. Includes common breakfast and dinner in an international group of volunteers. You may participate on activities at the farm if you wish to learn by doing or you can just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

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Select Reward
$800.00

(Virtual) Co-creator: You invest a small sum in our success and become immediately part of our volunteer team. You don't have to go through the standard volunteer application process. We work together virtually until you decide to come and get your hands dirty at The Monkey Farm. You are welcome to stay 2 weeks, food and lodging included, after which extension of stay can be negotiated if both parties are satisfied. You decide your working hours and your preferred ways of contribution.

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Select Reward
$1,000.00

Carlos Hiller's painting #1 - Sea Turtle. Giclee Print. Dimensions: 20 x 22 inches (50 x 57 cm).

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Select Reward
$3,000.00

Patron: Take your place among our patrons, become an integral part of our success and help Vicki and the Co-Creators to make big decisions. Patrons meet a few times a year to discuss strategic direction of The Monkey Farm. No other participation is required but, of course, patrons are always welcome to visit and stay at the farm for a few days at a time, as long as space permits.

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Select Reward
$4,000.00

Carlos Hiller's painting #2 - Dolphins. Original. The first painting he ever sold, in 1999, before his fame. Dimensions: 24 x 32 inches (60 x 80 cm).

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Select Reward
$10,000.00

Carlos Hiller's painting #3 - Sea Life. Original. His most famous and sought-after work of art! Nowadays he is able to craft a painting in less than an hour. With this, back in 2002, he worked for a month. And that shows: the attention to detail in this stunning painting is just overwhelmingly beautiful! Dimensions: 57 x 32 inches (145 x 80 cm).

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