Monkey Day
December 14th swings in with National Monkey Day, a celebration full of playful energy and fun! Whether you're a fan of these clever creatures or just looking for an excuse to shake off the winter blues, this day is all about embracing the mischievous spirit of our primate friends.
Get ready to go bananas and make this date a joyful, cheeky escape from the cold!
Monkey Day is specifically well known among the animal rights and environmental activists, and visual artists, and art institutions. The National Monkey Day commemorates monkeys and "all things simian", including other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs.
History of National Monkey Day
Monkey Day, initiated by artists Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin in 2000, has become a universal phenomenon. This quirky holiday celebrates all primates, including monkeys, apes, lemurs, and tarsiers.
It all began as a humorous joke between the two when Sorrow wrote Monkey Day on a friend's calendar. The idea quickly gained momentum as Sorrow and Millikin began combining Monkey Day into their artwork and online comics. They initially celebrated the holiday with other MSU art students on the Fetus-X comic strip. Today, people around the world are joining the fun and using Monkey Day to raise awareness about primate welfare and conservation.
Evolution of Monkeys
Monkeys, close to humans, have an interesting evolutionary history dating back millions of years. Sharing a common predecessor with us around 25-30 million years ago, their roots split into two main groups: New World monkeys (found in Central and South America) and Old World monkeys (in Africa and Asia).
New World monkeys developed different features such as prehensile tails, while Old World monkeys did not. As they evolved to different environments, monkeys evolved complex social behaviors, intelligence, and even tool use. These traits continue to captivate scientists studying human evolution, offering valuable insights into our shared ancestry.
Interesting Facts about Monkeys
- Known for their loud calls, howler monkeys can be heard up to three miles away in dense forests.
- Some species, like titi monkeys, form monogamous pair bonds and are known to cuddle with their mates.
- This rare species from China has blue faces and vibrant golden fur.
- Several monkeys were sent into space by NASA and the Soviet Union during the 1940s and 1950s.
- In some species, new dominant males may kill infants to ensure their own offspring inherit the group.
How to Celebrate National Monkey Day
There are tons of ways to get involved on National Monkey Day and support monkey conservation.
- Visit a local zoo or wildlife sanctuary: Discover more about monkeys and their habitats by visiting a zoo or wildlife sanctuary that contains primate species.
- Support conservation organizations: Donate to organizations working to protect monkeys and their habitats.
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Watch popular movies that feature monkeys: Here are some suggestions to get you started:
King Kong (1933): A giant ape is captured and brought to New York City, causing chaos.
Monkey Island (1986): A comedy-adventure film set on a tropical island inhabited by monkeys.
George of the Jungle (1997): A man raised by apes in the jungle returns to civilization.
Did You Know
Jigokudani Monkey Park is an exceptional location in Japan where wild Japanese macaques, also recognized as snow monkeys, are quite popular for bathing in natural hot springs.
Situated in a secluded valley, the park permits visitors to observe these monkeys up close as they relax in the steaming waters, especially during the winter months. The snow-covered mountains and playful monkeys create a calm yet adventurous atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
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