Since 2003, World Monkey Day has been celebrated on December 14th. The origins of the day are unknown, but its popularity appears to be due in part to students at the University of Michigan taking advantage of the day and turning it into an artistic event that included exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, and even theme parties in its honor.
All ape creatures took part in the university celebration, not just monkeys.
This is not the only day in the calendar dedicated to primates, as it is associated with two other holidays:
World Chimpanzee Day, July 14th.
World Orangutan Day, August 19th.
What is the aim of World Monkey Day?
There are currently around 260 species living on the planet. Of these, 25 species are threatened with extinction.
Endangered species include the blue-eyed lemur, eastern lowland gorilla, pupa monkey, spider monkey, rondo galago and capuchin monkey.
The main reason some of these species are in danger of extinction is due to poachers on the black market, who can sell these animals for the equivalent of 10 AK-47 rifles and in some cases even receive the weapon as payment.
For this reason, several environmental organizations use this day as a platform to spread the message of care, respect and a better quality of life for primates around the world.
Interesting facts about monkeys
The first interesting fact that catches our attention is that monkeys have between 94% and 95% of the same genes as us, which is why humans are so close to them.
Maybe that’s what “Planet of the Apes” wants to express. But these are not the only data that bring us closer to them: there is also the following:
- They smile like us. According to scientific research, they can laugh silently and also laugh like humans.
- They can communicate: There are many films, television series and scientific studies that show that all monkeys in the world can learn sign language, but otherwise they are all able to communicate in their own way.
- Depression: These animals can become depressed, feel very sad and sometimes even die because of love.
- Disapproval: Bonobos may shake their heads in disapproval and even scold their children for certain behaviors.
- They can also greet each other: After analyzing 1,242 interactions in groups of bonobos and chimpanzees in zoos, they found that the monkeys looked at each other and frequently communicated to start and end interactions.
Since we have so much in common with monkeys, we should be much more understanding and celebrate their day, care for them and respect them.
So on December 14th, upload a photo of your favorite monkey along with a message of protection and the hashtag on social media #WorldMonkeyDay either #InternationalDayDApe.
With information from: