The Monkey Farm is transforming lives through a unique combination of addiction recovery, trauma healing, and community service in Costa Rica.
In a remote corner of Costa Rica, a quiet revolution is taking place. It’s not just the sounds of monkeys echoing through the trees or the goats being milked for cheese. It’s a deeper, more powerful transformation—one that’s reshaping the lives of men in recovery, families healing from trauma, and an entire community. At The Monkey Farm, what began as a monkey rescue center has blossomed into a haven of healing, where addiction recovery, trauma therapy, and faith intersect. Here, every horse ride, every farm tour, and every visit to this sanctuary supports not just wildlife, but people fighting to rebuild their lives.
The Monkey Farm, founded by Vicki Conley in 2013, was born from an idea that seemed too ambitious for its time—a sanctuary where animals and people could heal side by side. With volunteers from around the globe and a self-sustaining farm in the heart of Costa Rica, The Monkey Farm quickly grew beyond its original purpose as a monkey rescue center. Vicki’s commitment to the community expanded as the farm’s production blossomed. What started as saving monkeys turned into a mission to serve the people of Playas del Coco and far beyond.
In 2019, The Monkey Farm turned its attention to a new cause: addiction recovery. It all began with a simple act of compassion—two homeless men approached Vicki for help to escape their addiction and homelessness. What followed was the birth of a free, faith-based residential recovery program, grounded in compassion and supported by a deep commitment to healing. The men in recovery didn’t just live on the farm—they worked, served the community, and began to find hope through their connection to animals and the land. Over time, this program began to grow, attracting men seeking redemption from all over the country.
By 2020, The Monkey Farm’s approach had evolved. Vicki and her team realized that addiction was not just a standalone issue—it was a symptom of deep, unhealed trauma. That’s when they began incorporating trauma healing into their recovery program. With the help of equine therapy, faith-based counseling, and a unique farm-based setting, the men began to process their trauma, develop trust, and gain the emotional tools necessary to reclaim their lives. The results were nothing short of miraculous. Many of the men who came to The Monkey Farm broken and lost found the courage to confront their past, heal from their wounds, and rebuild their futures.
One of the most groundbreaking additions to the recovery program came in 2022 when The Monkey Farm became the first residential addiction and trauma recovery center in the world to integrate natural horsemanship therapy. Inspired by the film The Mustang, the farm introduced horses to help men in recovery rebuild trust, patience, and emotional control. The therapeutic bond between the men and horses has proven to be transformative. Men who were once consumed by addiction and trauma are now taming and training horses, learning discipline, emotional control, and gaining confidence they never thought possible. This connection to the animals provides not only a way to heal but a sense of pride and accomplishment.
As the farm’s recovery program expanded, so did its outreach. The Monkey Farm’s impact on the local community grew exponentially, and the farm’s programs now extend beyond addiction recovery. The Monkey Farm offers comprehensive life skills training, including learning English, public speaking, and job placement assistance. This holistic approach to recovery has proven to be a game-changer, providing men with the tools they need to reintegrate into society successfully.
The Monkey Farm is more than just a place to visit—it’s a transformative force for good. With its groundbreaking faith-based recovery programs, its commitment to trauma healing, and its dedication to serving the community, The Monkey Farm is revolutionizing how we think about addiction recovery. The farm is on the cusp of something even greater—becoming an officially certified addiction recovery center in Costa Rica, which will open doors for even more life-changing opportunities. But to get there, they need your help. By supporting The Monkey Farm, whether through a visit, donation, or simply spreading the word, you can be a part of this incredible movement. Join them on their mission to heal, transform, and empower those who need it the most. Visit The Monkey Farm’s website to learn more about how you can make a difference. Together, we can change lives, one step at a time.
