Pictures of Panama Monkeys on Gatun Lake
Enjoyed our Panama Canal Trip. We saw Lots of Monkeys on a tour of Gatun Lake! The Monkeys are identified as White-faced Capuchin Monkeys: Recognizable by their expressive faces.
Gatun Lake, also known as Lago Gatún in Spanish, is a remarkable freshwater artificial lake situated to the south of Colón, Panama. At an elevation of approximately 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level, it plays a pivotal role in the Panama Canal. This expansive lake facilitates the transit of ships across the Isthmus of Panama, covering a distance of 33 kilometers (21 miles). The lake came into existence on June 27, 1913, when the gates of the spillway at the Gatun Dam were securely closed. Initially, the water level stood at about 14.6 meters (48 feet) above sea level, with expectations that it would gradually rise to operational levels over the next six months12.
Consider joining one of the tours to explore Monkey Island. Well worth the investment.
Construction and Significance: Gatun Lake owes its creation to the damming of the Chagres River in 1913. As a crucial component of the Panama Canal, it provides the millions of liters of water necessary to operate the canal’s locks each time a ship traverses the canal. Remarkably, when it was constructed, Gatun Lake held the distinction of being the largest artificial lake in the world. The dense rainforest surrounding the lake has acted as a natural defense for the Panama Canal, remaining largely untouched by human interference. These pristine areas offer a unique opportunity to observe various native Central American animal and plant species undisturbed in their natural habitat.
