MONKEY DAY
Every year on December 14th National Monkey Day celebrates the unique characteristics of simians. The day also focuses on other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs.
#MonkeyDay
Monkeys, also known as simians, live all over the world. More than 260 species of monkeys populate Africa, Central America, South America, and Asia. They range in size from mere ounces like the pygmy marmoset to the mandrill at a heavier 80 pounds. Monkeys tend to walk on all four limbs. As a member of the primate family, they are considered a lesser ape. Most monkeys have a tail, though not all do. Monkeys are divided into two categories – Old World monkeys and New World monkeys.
When is National Sea Monkey Day?
Their personalities and habits capture the attention of humans on many levels. These intelligent mammals with opposable thumbs live in family groups, too. However, many species of monkeys are endangered. Some endangered species from around the world include:
- Indri – Found in Madagascar, this lemur faces hunting due to hunting and deforestation.
- Roloway monkey – This bearded monkey found in Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana lives in tropical forests. They’re hunted for their meat.
- Western chimpanzee – Another monkey threatened by hunting, it has a larger territory. They live in the rainforests and savannahs of western Africa.
- Ecuadorian White-Fronted Capuchin – Locals hunt them because the White-fronted Capuchins threaten local crops. The Capuchins range through Ecuador and Peru.
HOW TO OBSERVE MONKEY DAY
Discover more about these fascinating primates. Learn about monkeys who live through all kinds of weather in Nature’s Snow Monkeys. Disney’s documentary Monkey Kingdom about the monkeys of South Asia follows a family and shows us the social hierarchy that exists among the community.
Read about monkeys and their habitats. Children’s books we suggest include:
- Meet the Howlers! by April Pulley Sayer and illustrated by Woody Miller
- Monkey Colors by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Ms. Patricia J. Wynne
- No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart
Consider donating to conservation efforts. The World Wildlife Fund combats the destruction of rainforests which is vital habitat for the black spider monkey, a vulnerable species.
Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to help you Celebrate Every Day!
Use #MonkeyDay to post on social media.
See more jingles from The Knits on YouTube.
MONKEY DAY HISTORY
A Michigan State University art student, Casey Sorrow, created National Monkey Day when he wrote Monkey Day on his friend’s calendar. A celebration followed and grew.
Monkey FAQ
Q. Where do Old World and New World Monkeys live?
A. Old World monkeys live in Africa and Asia while New World monkeys live in South America.
Q. Are apes monkeys?
A. No. Apes are not monkeys but they are primates.
Q. Are there other monkey celebrations on the calendar?
A. Yes. However, they don’t necessarily celebrate monkeys.
National Sea Monkey Day
World Lemur Day
It’s also interesting to note that the Chinese calendar includes the monkey in zodiac signs. There are five different types of monkeys featured every 12 years:
- Water
- Wood
- Fire
- Earth
- Gold
In 2028, it will be the year of the Earth Monkey again.
