Monkeys in Florida: The Wild and Unexpected Primate Population of the Sunshine State
Where to spot wild monkeys in Florida
Florida is known for its sun-drenched beaches, iconic oranges, alligator-infested swamps, and endless orange groves—but did you know the state is also home to wild monkeys? That’s right, Florida’s lush landscapes are crawling with colonies of non-native primates, making it one of the only places in the United States where you can encounter wild monkeys outside of a zoo. But how did they get here, where can you find them, and why are they still thriving today? Florida is a land of unexpected wildlife—where alligators bask next to golf courses, invasive iguanas climb power lines, and wild monkeys swing through the trees. The presence of primates in the Sunshine State may be an accident of history, but their survival is a testament to nature’s resilience. Let’s explore the fascinating and often bizarre history of Florida’s wild monkey population.
Monkeys in Florida: The Wild and Unexpected Primate Population of the Sunshine State
A Curious Origin: How Did Monkeys End Up in Florida?
Monkeys aren’t native to Florida, yet they’ve managed to establish populations across the state, thanks to a mix of human intervention, escaped pets, and old-world tourism gimmicks gone wrong. There are a few key ways monkeys ended up thriving in the wilds of Florida:
1. The Silver Springs Monkey Mystery
The most famous population of wild monkeys in Florida resides in Silver Springs State Park, near Ocala. Legend has it that in the 1930s, a man named Colonel Tooey, who operated a jungle cruise attraction, introduced a small group of rhesus macaques onto an island in the Silver River to create a “Tarzan-like” adventure for tourists. What he didn’t realize was that these monkeys were excellent swimmers—within no time, they escaped the island and spread throughout the surrounding forests.
Today, an estimated 300+ rhesus macaques roam the park, swinging from trees, foraging along the riverbanks, and startling kayakers who get too close.
2. The Dania Beach Vervet Monkeys
South Florida has its own monkey mystery—just outside of Fort Lauderdale, in Dania Beach, a group of African vervet monkeys has called the area home for decades. Thought to be escapees from a former research facility in the 1940s, these monkeys now live in the trees near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Unlike their Ocala cousins, these monkeys are small, with gray fur and striking blue faces, and they’ve adapted remarkably well to life in an urban jungle.
3. The Escapees from Zoos, Research Labs, and Exotic Pet Owners
Florida has long been a hub for exotic pet trading, and over the years, monkeys have escaped or been released into the wild. Some populations have taken hold in South Florida’s Everglades, adding to the state’s long list of non-native wildlife, which already includes Burmese pythons, iguanas, and even peacocks.
Where Can You See Wild Monkeys in Florida?
If you’re hoping to spot wild monkeys in Florida, you’ll need to venture into some of the state’s most unexpected wildlife hotspots. Here are the best places to see these primates in their adopted homeland:
Silver Springs State Park (Ocala) – Home to the largest population of wild rhesus macaques, this park is a prime location for spotting monkeys while kayaking or hiking along the Silver River. Be sure to keep your distance—these monkeys are known to be aggressive!
Dania Beach Monkey Jungle (Near Fort Lauderdale) – This small but resilient population of vervet monkeys can be seen in the mangrove forests near Dania Beach. Keep an eye out while driving through the area!
The Florida Everglades – While rarer, some reports suggest escaped pet monkeys and old research primates still roam the Everglades, particularly in more remote regions.
Why Are Florida’s Wild Monkeys a Problem?
As much as they may seem like a fun tourist attraction, Florida’s wild monkeys come with serious concerns:
Disease Risk – The rhesus macaques in Silver Springs have tested positive for the herpes B virus, which can be deadly to humans. Although transmission is rare, it has led to calls for population control.
Aggressive Behavior – These monkeys are not shy. Many tourists and kayakers have reported monkeys stealing food, charging at visitors, and even attacking people who get too close.
Ecological Disruption – As a non-native species, monkeys compete with Florida’s native wildlife for resources, disrupting natural food chains. They also damage trees and steal eggs from bird nests.
Human-Monkey Conflict – While some locals enjoy the monkeys’ presence, others see them as a nuisance and potential safety hazard. Florida wildlife officials have debated controlling the populations, but public opinion remains divided.
Should We Save Florida’s Wild Monkeys?
The debate over what to do with Florida’s wild monkey population is heated. Some wildlife officials argue they should be removed to protect human health and native ecosystems, while animal lovers believe these monkeys deserve to live freely after decades of survival.
Efforts to sterilize and relocate some of the rhesus macaques have taken place in the past, but they remain controversial. Meanwhile, conservation groups are working to protect the Dania Beach vervet monkeys, advocating for them to be recognized as an official part of Florida’s wildlife. So, if you find yourself in Silver Springs or Dania Beach, keep your eyes peeled. You just might spot a troop of monkeys peering back at you, a wild and wonderful reminder that Florida is always full of surprises.