The cheeky white-faced capuchin, also known as the organ grinder monkey, is a well known symbol of Costa Rica, one of the world's most ecologically enlightened countries. National parks and preserves occupy fully 25 percent of the land surface of this Central American haven, a fact that stands out in stark contrast to the U.S.' rather paltry 10 percent.

Environmental scientists are in considerable accord that at least 15 percent of all the earth's various ecosystems should be set aside as preserves, free of the deleterious impact of man's activities. This would help to maintain a healthy planet and function as a world "nature bank" for future generations.