December 14
National Monkey Day
An awareness day on December 14 celebrating monkeys, apes, and all primates while raising awareness about primate conservation.
Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin
Individual Initiative
Artists Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin, students at Michigan State University, founded Monkey Day in 2000 when Sorrow jokingly scribbled it on a friend's calendar on December 14. It gained popularity through their Fetus-X comic strip and international art exhibitions, evolving into a global observance for primates.
Introduction
Get ready to go bananas for National Monkey Day on December 14th! Celebrated since 2000, this day was created by two friends in honor of their love for primates. Whether you're an animal lover or just a fan of these adorable creatures, it's the perfect opportunity to learn about and appreciate monkeys from around the world.
National Monkey Day Timeline
How to Celebrate National Monkey Day
1
Visit a zoo
No matter where you live, there is sure to be a zoo close by that houses monkeys. Spend the day observing their antics and learning about them from knowledgeable staff.
2
Watch monkey films
Pop some popcorn, make some monkey snacks, and rent your favorite monkey movie. From Tarzan to Planet of the Apes, you are sure to find a classic film.
3
Make monkey crafts
Gather up your crafting supplies and get creative with a monkey theme. Make paper mache monkeys or use felt to create stuffed monkeys as gifts for friends.
4
Read books about monkeys
From Curious George to The Jungle Book, there are plenty of stories to explore about our primate cousins. Enjoy an afternoon of reading about the adventures of monkeys.
5
Go on a safari
If you really want to get up close and personal with monkeys, then plan a safari to Africa or South America and observe these creatures in their natural habitat.
Why We Love National Monkey Day
Monkeys are adorable
Whether it's a cute little baby monkey hanging from its mother's back or an adult swinging through the trees, there's no denying that these animals are incredibly endearing. Monkeys also have advanced cognitive abilities that make them more similar to humans than you might think - and at times, much more entertaining!
Monkeys play important roles in nature
Monkeys play essential roles in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds and pollinating vegetation, which helps sustain tropical forests. They're also keystone species, meaning they affect how energy flows through their environment. Their existence is vital for the health of nature!
Monkeys help us learn about ourselves
By studying monkeys, we can gain insight into our own behavior and evolution. We can observe their social interactions, communication habits and emotional intelligence to better understand the origins of our own actions and behaviors. Plus, studying primates helps us appreciate the intricacies of the natural world!
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Thursday | |
| 2024 | Saturday | |
| 2025 | Sunday | |
| 2026 | Monday | |
| 2027 | Tuesday |
