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Monkey Day

Spend a day at the zoo with these cheeky creatures, throw a monkey-themed fancy dress party or fundraise to protect these precious primates.

Animals35
Marketing angleinferred

Zoos and wildlife nonprofits can drive December foot traffic and donations by hosting educational Monkey Day events that combine entertainment, conservation messaging, and family engagement.

Relevance 35medium intent
  • Zoo special: Monkey Day educational talks + primate intelligence demos attract families
  • Fundraiser angle: Auction artwork by chimps or donate to endangered species conservation
  • Behind-the-scenes: Primate care & welfare stories to build emotional connection
  • Family outing: 'Spend Monkey Day at the Zoo' campaign with special activities for kids
History

While celebrating this animal is an excellent way to get invovled in the day, the origins are a bit unexpected. Back in 2000, Casey Sorrow was an art student at Michigan State University, and he ended up writing “Monkey Day” on his friend’s calendar as a prank.

But then they actually celebrated the occasion with other art students at MSU, and Sorrow later started collaborating with fellow MSU student on the Fetus-X comic strip, where the holiday was mentioned and popularized.

Since then, Monkey Day has been grown in popularity as a day to celebrate primates (including monkeys, but also apes, lemurs, and tarsiers).

Sorrow himself still does much to promote the holiday and the cause of primate welfare, and in addition to the Monkey Day website, he also maintains a “Monkeys in the News” blog which discusses primate-related news around the world and comes out with a list of the top ten primate-related news stories from the past year every Monkey Day.

Since Monkey Day was founded, it really has gone from strength-to-strength. It is now celebrated in many different corners of the world.

This includes Scotland, Turkey, Thailand, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Pakistan, India, Germany, and Canada. It has been described by the Washington Post as a day to do the following:

“Learn something about these adorable and highly intelligent primates. Or you could use this day to act like a monkey.”

How to celebrate

Spend Monkey Day at the Zoo

Head out to the zoo on this day, because many zoos around the world hold special celebrations for Monkey Day. Some of these events focus on educational events about monkeys, while others do things like auction off artwork created by chimps and performing intelligence tests on primates. Even if a local zoo in your area is not hosting an event on this date, we would definitely recommend taking a trip to a zoo and spending some time with the animals.

Attend Special Monkey Day Events

Make sure you take a look at their calendar beforehand, as many have special activities and talks going on. For example, at Australia’s National Zoo & Aquarium, they hold a number of educational talks and activities that are designed to raise money for endangered species, such as Cotton-top Tamarins in Columbia, as well as increasing awareness. In Scotland, at the famous Edinburgh Zoo, they raise awareness about the different dangers that primates face by using monkey storytelling. Monkey Day events are also held at The Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park in Darıca, Turkey to raise awareness. In India, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park holds a number of different programs so that children can become educated about issues facing wildlife and so that people are encouraged to adopt monkeys. The list doesn’t end there either. In Pakistan, the Lahore Zoo really goes the extra mile. They hold educational events and art competitions about monkeys, including performances to highlight the threats they face, poetry readings about monkeys, and much more.

Host a Monkey Day Gathering

Consider throwing a Monkey Day party by inviting all of your friends over, perhaps dressed as favorite primates. Enjoy common activities like watching monkey-themed films such as King Kong, Planet of the Apes, and Lady Iron Monkey, as well as monkey-themed music (The Monkees, anyone?).

Support Monkey Charities

Often, celebrations involve fundraising for primate-related causes and charities, and many organizations around the world dedicated to primates hold Monkey Day events of various sorts. So when Monkey Day comes around, get out there and do it proper, by monkeying around!

Watch a Monkey Film

Another way to celebrate Monkey Day is by watching a film based on this primate! There are so many different types of monkey films. Of course, the Planet of the Apes series of films is the most well-known, but there are many others. Disney’s Monkey Kingdom comes highly recommended. Other famous monkeys on screen include the Chain-Smoking Capuchin in The Hangover Part II, Clyde in Every Which Way But Loose, Cheeta in Tarzan the Ape Man, George in Curious George, Joe in Mighty Joe Young, and King Louie in The Jungle Book.

FAQ
How did Monkey Day inspire unique art exhibitions?
Artists Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin, co-creators of Monkey Day, have integrated the theme into various art forms. For instance, in 2012, Millikin presented “The 12 Stars of Monkey Day,” a series inspired by pioneering space monkeys. Such exhibitions blend creativity with primate appreciation.
What are some unusual Monkey Day traditions worldwide?
In Estonia, Tallinn Zoo auctions chimpanzee-created art and conducts intelligence tests on Japanese macaques. In Pakistan, Lahore Zoo hosts events with children wearing monkey masks and performing related poetry.
How has Monkey Day influenced film releases?
Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” premiered on December 14, 2005, aligning with Monkey Day. This timing connected the film’s theme with the day’s celebration of primates.
Are there any myths associated with Monkey Day?
A playful myth suggests that monkeys causing mischief, like a monkey driving a stolen bus, are honoring Monkey Day traditions. This highlights the day’s lighthearted nature.
How do animal rights organizations participate in Monkey Day?
Groups like Greenpeace use Monkey Day to promote primate habitat protection, encouraging actions such as becoming a forest defender.
What role does Monkey Day play in fundraising efforts?
Celebrations often include fundraising for primate-related causes. For example, in 2008, art shows and auctions benefited animal sanctuaries, featuring human and chimpanzee works.
How do different cultures celebrate Monkey Day?
In India, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park educates children about wildlife and encourages monkey adoption. In Turkey, the Faruk Yalçın Zoo raises awareness about declining monkey populations.
What are some creative ways people engage with Monkey Day?
Some enthusiasts host monkey-themed costume parties, complete with competitions and monkey impersonations, adding a fun twist to the celebration.
How has Monkey Day been recognized by prominent figures?
Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall has acknowledged Monkey Day, highlighting its significance in promoting primate awareness.
What are some misconceptions about Monkey Day?
Some might think it’s an ancient tradition, but Monkey Day began in 2000, initiated by art students as a humorous observance that gained international traction.