Monkey Day 🐒

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.

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

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Ways to celebrate

Two art students turned a joke scrawled on a calendar during finals week into a genuine international observance now marked in countries from Germany to Thailand.

Have some fun with it

Celebrate by:

• Watching monkeys at a zoo or sanctuary, or at least a good nature documentary about them.
• Learning one real fact about primate conservation you didn't know before.

See how the day actually started

Helpful resources:

• International Monkey Day: Did You Know the Day Was Started as a Prank? (Republic World)

Did you know?

Monkey Day began in 2000 when Michigan State University art student Eric Millikin jokingly wrote "Monkey Day" on a blank date in classmate Casey Sorrow's calendar — the two ended up celebrating with makeshift costumes and impromptu primate impressions on campus.

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

International Monkey Day: Did You Know the Day Was Started as a Prank? (Republic World)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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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?

Watch monkeys at a zoo or sanctuary, or learn one real fact about primate conservation you didn't know before.

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