Monkey Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Monkey Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Monkey Day is observed on December 14th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Monkey Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about Monkey Day.

📅 What day is Monkey Day 2024?

In 2024, Monkey Day is on Thursday, December 14th. It is the 2nd Thursday in December; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about December 14, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Monkey Day falls on December 14th and is a special occasion to appreciate and celebrate all things related to monkeys and their close relatives, the apes. Although we may look slightly different from our ape cousins, it’s important to remember that we share a common ancestry with chimpanzees. So, get ready to warm up your vocal cords and unleash your wildest yells and howls to pay tribute to this festive celebration that encompasses all things simian, not just monkeys.

📜 Monkey Day History

Casey Sorrow and Erik Millikin, two art students from Michigan State University, came up with the idea of Monkey Day as a way to combat the holiday blues. Sorrow, who often felt lethargic during Christmas season, stumbled upon the idea after seeing “Monkey Day” on a friend’s calendar. Intrigued, Sorrow and his art school friends decided to embrace the concept and celebrated Monkey Day on December 14th by dressing up as monkeys and acting like them. This playful event eventually inspired their artwork and comics, which they shared online, leading to the growth of Monkey Day as a holiday celebrated in various countries.

Over time, Monkey Day evolved from a simple fun activity into something more significant. National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, and Greenpeace now recognize Monkey Day as an important occasion for raising awareness about the challenges faced by monkeys. Sorrow and Millikin have played a significant role in promoting this cause through their monkey-themed art. Their efforts have transformed the idea of “monkey business” into something meaningful and impactful.

✅ Monkey Day Facts

🔖 Where they are mostly found
Monkeys are a type of primate that primarily inhabit tropical jungles.

🔖 Endangered species
Endangered monkey species include cotton-headed tamarins, Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchins, and pied tamarins.

🔖 A tail story
Monkeys are set apart from other primates by their unique tail.

👍 Why Is Monkey Day Important

Feel free to take Monkey Day in a non-literal sense and use it as an excuse to get loose! Goof off, joke about it, have fun… Everyone requires a good reason to be goofy from time to time!

Though not everyone is aware of it, half of the world’s 262 monkey species are on the verge of extinction. Monkey Day is crucial in teaching people about the current threats that these species face.

Monkeys are not only lively, clever, and sociable, but they are also among the prettiest creatures on the planet!

🙂 How To Observe Monkey Day

⚡ Consume monkey media
From beloved characters like Curious George to Aladdin’s mischievous sidekick Abu, primates have entertained audiences of all ages. So, choose a movie that features these lovable creatures and enjoy the experience with your family!

⚡ Primate, donate, celebrate
Gather donations to back initiatives that promote ethical animal research, raise awareness about primates, and establish preserves specifically for aging monkeys.

⚡ Go to the zoo
Watching our favorite animals is an enjoyable experience, and several zoos throughout the country will be hosting exciting monkey-themed events and projects during the week of December 14th.

📅 When is Monkey Day?

See all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Monkey Day. So be sure to check back soon.