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.
Monkeys are interesting creatures – cute, mischievous, and sometimes downright obnoxious (anyone who disagrees has obviously never had their laundry torn down by a family of primates when it’s hanging to dry).
Many species of primates are also endangered, and then there are questions of animal rights and the usage of primates in medical research. That’s why there’s Monkey Day — a day that is dedicated to raising awareness about non-human primates.
How to Celebrate Monkey Day
You could simply dress up in a monkey costume and play the part, because there are some people who do just that for Monkey Day and even hold competitions for it.
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.
Learn About Monkey Day
Monkey Day was founded to celebrate monkeys, as well as “all things simian,” which includes lemurs, tarsiers, apes, and other non-human primates.
It is a great day when it comes to raising awareness about different types of monkeys and primates around the world, as well as the issues they face and how we can help them.
Environmental activists and animal rights activities are especially vocal and passionate about this date. The same goes for art institutions and visual artists.
Supporters of this date have included the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre Museum in Paris, London’s National Portrait Gallery, National Geographic, Greenpeace, and Jane Goodall.
History of Monkey Day
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.”
Monkey Day Timeline
2nd Century AD
Claudius Galenus studies monkeys
In the early days of pioneering medicine Galenus (known as Galen) studied monkeys through dissection, noticing their similarities to humans.
1939
Flying monkeys are featured in film Wizard of Oz
In a strange and frightening portion of the plot, monkeys with wings act as minions released by the Wicked Witch of the West to scare off Dorothy and her friends.
1941
Curious George makes debut in books
As monkeys begin appearing in films and books, one of the most endearing monkeys will last in popularity for at least 80 years–Curious George. Although there are only 7 books in the original series by H. A. Ray, the character lives on through an animated television show, videos and even a 2006 feature film.
1959
First monkey in space
A squirrel monkey, Miss Baker, and a rhesus macaque, Able, were the first monkeys who made a successful launch and return to space. They were sent by the United States Air Force on a Jupiter rocket.
2000
Monkey Day begins
As a little joke, Casey Sorrow, a Michigan State University art student, wrote “Monkey Day” on a friend’s calendar just to be silly. Then, in more silliness, they decided to go ahead and celebrate the day with other art students. Later, Casey Sorrow became the co-creator of the weekly Fetus-X comic strip, which was used to promote the day.
Monkey Day FAQs
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.
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