Take a Monkey to Lunch Day

Take a Monkey to Lunch Day is celebrated every year on July 21. In 2026, this date falls on a Tuesday. The day draws attention to monkeys and other non-human primates, combining lighthearted celebration with sustained efforts to inform the public about threats these animals face and how to help them thrive.

History of Take a Monkey to Lunch Day

One account traces the holiday’s origin to an art student, Casey Sorrow, and marks the observance as having been celebrated on July 21 annually since 2000. Over time the day gathered backing from conservation-minded groups and cultural institutions that use the date to showcase primate diversity, promote ethical care, and raise funds for sanctuaries and research organizations.

Another strand of the holiday’s history links the date to the Scopes “Monkey” Trial of 1925, when a courtroom spectacle and public interest drew attention to monkeys and discussions about science and education. That courtroom moment, remembered in some calendars, contributed a layer of cultural memory that blends legal history, public spectacle, and later efforts to turn attention toward primate welfare rather than exploitation.

Why is Take a Monkey to Lunch Day important?

The holiday matters because it channels public curiosity into practical support for primates and their habitats. It offers a chance to highlight the wide range of threats many species face today — from habitat loss and illegal trade to disease risks — and to connect people with organizations that work on rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat protection.

The day also creates moments for education and fundraising, enabling zoos, sanctuaries, brands, and community groups to present accurate information, showcase rehabilitation work, and generate donations for projects that protect primates and their ecosystems.

• It raises awareness about primate conservation and the high proportion of species that are threatened or declining.
• It helps fund rescue, veterinary care, and sanctuaries that provide long-term homes for displaced or abused primates.
• It encourages responsible public behavior, discouraging the illegal pet trade and support for exploitative entertainment.
• It promotes learning about primate biology, ecological roles, and the differences between monkeys, apes, tarsiers, and lemurs.
• It supports partnerships between nonprofits, zoos, and businesses to amplify campaigns and donate proceeds to primate causes.

How to Celebrate Take a Monkey to Lunch Day

Celebrate this day by combining fun, food, and philanthropy. Local businesses and restaurants can run a themed lunch or a banana-inspired special and donate part of proceeds to a primate fund or reputable sanctuary. Zoos and wildlife parks often stage family-friendly programs, talks, and demonstrations that educate visitors about species diversity and conservation needs.

At home or online, people can mark the day by sharing facts and images about primates, using hashtags to spread reliable information and spotlight organizations doing rescue and research. Small, thoughtful actions add up: a community lunch with an educational talk can be both enjoyable and impactful when paired with a clear ask to support conservation work.

• Visit a zoo or sanctuary hosting a Take a Monkey to Lunch Day event to learn about species and conservation projects.
• Host a themed lunch or fundraiser where a portion of proceeds supports a primate charity or local zoo’s primate care fund.
• Share educational content and facts on social platforms using the event’s hashtag to amplify awareness and fundraising appeals.
• Partner with ethical brands or shops known for animal-welfare stances to promote cruelty-free products and donation drives.
• Organize a children’s activity—crafts, story time, or a simple lesson—focused on primate behavior, habitats, and what people can do to help.

Take a Monkey to Lunch Day Dates