Monkey Jungle in Miami, Florida: Embark on an Amazing Rainforest Adventure!
There’s some prime real-estate in Miami, or rather, primate real-estate!
Monkey Jungle is one of the coolest wildlife encounters in Florida (or anywhere, for that matter). Here, you get to become an explorer and make your way through a tropical rainforest teeming with monkeys. It feels so much like you’ve been transported to the Amazon, you might just find yourself wondering if you’re still in Florida!
With a combination of natural observation and planned presentation, you’re guaranteed some amazing sightings of your favorite monkeys, including the too-adorable squirrel monkey!
Are you ready to roam where the monkeys run wild?
Monkeying Around For Over 80 Years
Monkey Jungle began with a tiny troop of only six Java monkeys.
Fascinated by animals, especially primates, naturalist Joseph DuMond released six Java macaques into the tropical Miami hammock in the hopes of studying them in their natural (well, almost natural) habitat.1 Today, DuMond’s endeavor has grown from six Java monkeys to over 400 primates of several different species.
DuMond’s vision of conducting natural, observation-based research has continued on, with many primatologists frequenting Monkey Jungle to conduct research.2 However, it’s not just been primatologists, but people from all walks of life, who’ve come to find monkeys as captivating as DuMond did.
In the early days, this was a bit of a problem. DuMond was happy to have visitors to Monkey Jungle, but the Java’s growing population had quickly adapted to the Miami hammock, becoming territorial over it, and aggressive toward interlopers. That’s when DuMond came up with the idea that makes Monkey Jungle different from any other zoo or wildlife exhibit: he made it a place “where humans are caged and monkeys run wild.”
This business slogan is made possible by wire-covered pathways which wind through the far-reaching expanse of monkey territory. Allowing for safe yet up-close—and above all unscripted—encounters, this design has made Monkey Jungle a popular destination for scientists, students, and animal lovers alike.
Though not accredited by the AZA, Monkey Jungle is an affiliate of the DuMond Conservancy for Primates & Tropical Forests, whose goal is to engage and educate the public about the importance of primate conservation.
Monkey Jungle Mania
The wildlands of Monkey Jungle are divided into four areas: the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool, Cameroon Gorilla Forest, Amazonian Rainforest, and Wings of Love.
At select times, there are “eco-shows” where the monkeys gather for treats, engaging in natural behaviors before an adoring audience. Unlike a circus, they aren’t trained to do tricks—they’re simply doing their own thing, which is already plenty entertaining!
For example, at the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool show, the troop of Java monkeys will swim in the water and dive for their snacks. It’s almost like watching Olympic synchronized swimming! Almost. (The monkeys are a lot cuter, LOL!)
Many visitors are thoroughly impressed by Monkey Jungle’s resident gorilla, “King of the Jungle.” A beast that always looks bigger in person, I think they could have named him “King Kong!”
To see the widest variety of monkeys, you’ll want to take your time strolling through the Amazonian Rainforest. From your caged path, you’ll be able to spot squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, and black-capped capuchins. Each of these species is incredibly unique, with howlers producing one of the loudest calls of any land mammal, and squirrel monkeys sporting bright yellow limbs. (Fun fact: Able and Baker, two squirrel monkeys, were the first primates to survive space travel in 1959!3) Meanwhile, the black-capped capuchins are adorably fuzzy with their tiny mohawks and are the only species of capuchin to coil their tails like chameleons as they walk.4
In addition to a multitude of monkeys, Monkey Jungle is also home to Wings of Love, a sanctuary where displaced parrots can find a forever home. The birds, like the monkeys, are housed as naturally as possible in free-flight domes and are paired with suitable companions from similar regions. What feathered friends will you meet?
When you visit Monkey Jungle, be sure to inquire about their special squirrel monkey feeding experience! One of only a few interactive primate encounters in the country, this feeding experience allows you to come in contact with munchy little squirrel monkeys, and is a must for anyone who is just bananas about primates!
Planning Your Rainforest Adventure Day
As you plan your day at Monkey Jungle, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The biggest thing to be aware of is that operations are still different due to COVID. This means some areas of the park are closed and not all of the usual “shows” are happening. As of writing, there is currently a limited-capacity Monkey Jungle Rainforest Adventure Tour instead of the usual tours and presentations. Thankfully, this still includes a personal squirrel monkey encounter. Yay! (Note that reservations and masks are required for the tour.)
Now, this tour is a bit pricey at $150.00 per explorer. If you really love monkeys, then it will be worth every penny for the feeding alone, but if you’re just a casual primate person, you might want to check out of one Florida’s awesome zoos instead!
If you choose to head on out to Monkey Jungle, we’d suggest setting aside two to three hours for the excursion. We’d also recommend coming with plenty of questions to ask your Jungle Guide! The staff here are passionate about primates, and tours are so much more fun when lively discussions ensue. In this regard, the current small-group tours are optimal for interaction with your guide! It also creates a more intimate experience, and you won’t be vying with a crowd for good views—and pictures!—of the monkeys. (As a short person, this is much appreciated, LOL.)
Monkey Jungle offers an unforgettable animal encounter, giving you the chance to connect with some truly special little creatures. It’s also an amazing opportunity to view primates living life in a natural, tropical setting – something you won’t find unless you head to the real Amazon! Monkeys running wild is what makes Monkey Jungle a bucket list experience for monkey enthusiasts.
Have you been to Monkey Jungle? Did you hold a squirrel monkey? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Want even more great animal encounters? Be a zookeeper for a day at Busch Gardens Tampa, pay a visit to our favorite big cats at the Central Florida Animal Reserve, or strike out on the Great Florida Birding Trail to meet more feathery friends. Oh, and if you’re looking for something a little tamer, you can always pop into one of Florida’s charming cat cafes!
Cover Image
Photo: Unsplash
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