National Monkey Day
National Monkey Day is an unofficial international holiday that celebrates monkeys and all things simian, including other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about these fascinating creatures and the challenges they face.
Quick Facts
When is it?: December 14
Tagged as: World Monkey Day, International Monkey Day, Day of the Monkey
What’s the hashtag?: #MonkeyDay #WorldMonkeyDay
When was it founded?: 2000
Who founded it?: Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin
History of Monkey Day
The holiday began as a playful prank when Casey Sorrow, an art student at Michigan State University, jokingly wrote “Monkey Day” on a friend’s calendar. He and fellow artist Eric Millikin then celebrated the day with other MSU art students by creating monkey artwork, wearing costumes, and imitating monkey behavior. The celebration caught on and evolved into a global phenomenon, now supported by organizations like National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, and Greenpeace.
Timeline
- 1580: The word “monkey” originated in a German version of the Reynard the Fox fable
- 2000: First Monkey Day celebration at Michigan State University
- 2005: Peter Jackson’s King Kong released on Monkey Day’s fifth anniversary
- 2020: The celebration went virtual due to global pandemic
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 14 | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 14 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 14 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 14 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 14 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 14 | Saturday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate Monkey Day through costume parties, art exhibitions, zoo visits, and educational events. Many organizations use this day to raise awareness about primate conservation and animal rights. Activities often include monkey-themed art shows, costume contests, and fundraising for primate-related causes.
Fun Facts About Monkeys
- Howler monkeys are the loudest, heard from up to three miles away
- Monkeys are divided into “Old World” (Asia and Africa) and “New World” (Americas)
- Orangutan babies stay with their mothers for up to six years
- All monkeys can swim
- There are over 260 different species of monkeys worldwide
Quiz
- Which monkey is the loudest?
(Answer: Howler Monkey) - How many species of monkeys exist?
(Answer: Over 260 species) - How far can a howler monkey’s call be heard?
(Answer: Up to three miles)
FAQs
- Why do we celebrate Monkey Day?
To raise awareness about primates and their conservation while having fun celebrating these intelligent creatures. - What activities are common on Monkey Day?
Zoo visits, costume parties, art exhibitions, and educational events about primates.
Related
- World Wildlife Day
- Earth Day
- International Primate Day
- World Animal Day
- Endangered Species Day