Monkey Day

Monkey Day is an unofficial international holiday celebrated annually on December 14. It is a day dedicated to monkeys, apes, and other primates, celebrating their intelligence and raising awareness about the threats they face in the wild. Learn more about:
International Primate Day
World Lemur Day
World Gorilla Day

History of Monkey Day

The holiday began in 2000 as a lighthearted prank by Casey Sorrow, an art student at Michigan State University. Sorrow jokingly scribbled “Monkey Day” on a friend’s calendar for December 14. When the date arrived, he and fellow art student Eric Millikin, along with other friends, celebrated by dressing up as monkeys and creating primate-themed artwork. They continued to promote the concept through their comic strips and online art communities, gradually gaining a following.

Over the years, what started as an inside joke among art students evolved into an international observance. It gained traction through the internet and the involvement of artists, animal rights activists, and zoos. While it remains an unofficial holiday, it has been widely adopted by conservation organizations and scientific institutions as a serious platform to discuss primate welfare, habitat loss, and evolution, balancing its humorous origins with a meaningful cause.

Why is Monkey Day important?

Monkey Day serves as a dual-purpose observance: it celebrates the fun, mischievous nature of primates in pop culture while highlighting critical conservation issues. Primate populations across the globe are under severe threat from deforestation, the illegal pet trade, and poaching. This day provides a spotlight for organizations to educate the public about the rapidly declining numbers of species like lemurs, tarsiers, and orangutans, encouraging action to protect their natural habitats.

Beyond conservation, the day recognizes the scientific and evolutionary significance of primates. As our closest biological relatives, non-human primates offer profound insights into human behavior, social structures, and intelligence. The observance encourages people to learn about the complexities of primate societies, from the tool-using skills of chimpanzees to the intricate communication systems of howler monkeys, fostering a deeper respect for these intelligent creatures.

• It raises global awareness about endangered primate species.
• The day promotes education regarding human evolution.
• Zoos use the date for special educational outreach programs.
• It highlights the cruelty of the exotic pet trade.
• It encourages funding for wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers.

How to Observe Monkey Day

Observing Monkey Day can range from educational activities to simply enjoying primate-themed entertainment. A meaningful way to participate is by visiting a local zoo or primate sanctuary that focuses on conservation and education. Many institutions host special talks or feeding demonstrations on this date. Alternatively, you can support conservation efforts by donating to reputable organizations that protect rainforests or rehabilitate rescued monkeys.

For a lighter celebration, many people engage with the cultural side of the holiday. This is a popular day for costume parties or movie marathons featuring famous primates, such as King Kong or Planet of the Apes. Artists often participate by sharing monkey-themed creations online, continuing the tradition started by the holiday’s founders. Whether through learning or playing, the goal is to appreciate our simian cousins.

• Donate to a charity focused on primate conservation.
• Visit a zoo or sanctuary to learn about primates.
• Watch a documentary or movie featuring monkeys.
• Read up on the differences between monkeys and apes.
• Share awareness posts or primate art on social media.

Monkey Day Dates