Annual observance

Monkey Day

December 14 Kindness / Community Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

Observed annually on December 14th, Monkey Day is an international, unofficial holiday celebrating monkeys and other primates. It aims to raise awareness for primate conservation while also encouraging a lighthearted appreciation for these intelligent animals, often marked by art, pranks, and educational events.

Observed each year on December 14, Monkey Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Monkey Day, observed on December 14, highlights the importance of primate conservation while fostering a sense of community through creativity and humor. This day not only celebrates the intelligence and uniqueness of monkeys but also encourages collective action towards protecting their habitats and well-being.

Origin and story

Monkey Day was unofficially started in 2000 by artists Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin when Millikin jokingly marked 'Monkey Day' on Sorrow's calendar.

It gained popularity through art school students and the internet, evolving into a day to appreciate all things simian.

Quick facts

  • DateDecember 14
  • TypeKindness / Community
  • Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Share one fast fact about Monkey Day: Monkey Day was unofficially started in 2000 by artists Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin when Millikin jokingly marked 'Monkey Day' on Sorrow's calendar.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why Monkey Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Bring Monkey Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Monkey Day lands on December 14 — host a quick nod with Community groups, Friends and snap a photo.

Fun facts

  • Monkey Day was unofficially started in 2000 by artists Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin when Millikin jokingly marked 'Monkey Day' on Sorrow's calendar.
  • It gained popularity through art school students and the internet, evolving into a day to appreciate all things simian.
  • The holiday is not only about fun, but also about raising awareness for primate conservation and the threats they face.
  • Many zoos and wildlife organizations participate by hosting educational events and fundraisers on or around December 14th.
  • Activities often include dressing up as monkeys, sharing monkey-related art, or watching documentaries about primates.
  • Some celebrate by performing 'monkey business' or engaging in playful mischief.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is Monkey Day?
It is observed on December 14 each year.
What is Monkey Day?
Observed annually on December 14th, Monkey Day is an international, unofficial holiday celebrating monkeys and other primates. It aims to raise awareness for primate conservation while also encouraging a lighthearted appreciation for these intelligent animals, often marked by art, pranks, and educational events.
How do people celebrate Monkey Day?
Share one fast fact about Monkey Day: Monkey Day was unofficially started in 2000 by artists Casey Sorrow and Eric Millikin when Millikin jokingly marked 'Monkey Day' on Sorrow's calendar.

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