National Day

Monkey Day

Celebrated on 12/14/2026

Quick Fact

Monkey Day is celebrated annually on December 14th, and was created in 2000 by artist Casey Sorrow when he jokingly scribbled 'Monkey Day' on a friend's calendar. The holiday has since grown into a global celebration of primates, raising awareness about endangered species and primate conservation.

Origins and Establishment of Monkey Day

Monkey Day was founded in 2000 by Michigan State University art student Casey Sorrow. While doodling on a friend's calendar, Sorrow playfully wrote 'Monkey Day' on December 14th. The idea quickly caught on among his fellow art students, who began celebrating with monkey-themed costumes, artwork, and antics. Sorrow and his friends continued the tradition, and it eventually spread beyond their circle through word of mouth and early internet forums.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, Monkey Day evolved from a small inside joke into an international observance. With the rise of social media, the holiday gained traction as people shared monkey-related content, memes, and educational posts. Today, Monkey Day is celebrated by primate enthusiasts, zoos, and conservation organizations worldwide. Activities include wearing monkey-themed clothing, watching documentaries about primates, donating to conservation groups like the Jane Goodall Institute, and hosting costume parties. Some zoos offer special events or discounts to raise awareness about primate conservation.

Facts & General Observations

  • Over 260 species of monkeys exist worldwide, ranging from the tiny pygmy marmoset (weighing about 4 ounces) to the large mandrill (weighing up to 77 pounds).
  • Monkeys are divided into two main groups: Old World monkeys (found in Africa and Asia) and New World monkeys (found in Central and South America). New World monkeys often have prehensile tails, while Old World monkeys do not.
  • According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), about 60% of primate species are threatened with extinction, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.

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