ZooFlorida, US

Monkey Jungle

Monkey Jungle offers an immersive journey into a vibrant primate world.

About

Monkey Jungle offers an immersive journey into a vibrant primate world. This unique 30-acre zoological park in South Miami, Florida, flips the traditional zoo experience, allowing visitors to walk through enclosed pathways while hundreds of monkeys roam freely in semi-natural habitats. Established in 1933, it's celebrated for its distinctive approach, embodying its famous tagline: "Where humans are caged and monkeys run wild!". It stands as one of the few protected primate habitats in the United States and the only one publicly accessible in this engaging format.

The park is home to over 300 primates from various species, offering glimpses into diverse ecosystems across its key exhibits. Visitors can marvel at the Southeast Asian Java Macaques diving for treats in the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool & Trail, or observe King, the Western Lowland Gorilla, in the Cameroon Gorilla Forest. The Amazonian Rainforest, North America's only semi-natural tropical rainforest, teems with Squirrel Monkeys, Black-Capped Capuchins, and Howler Monkeys. Beyond primates, the Wings of Love sanctuary provides a haven for displaced tropical birds, and guests might also spot lemurs, sloths, turtles, tortoises, and even a Rhino Iguana.

Visiting Monkey Jungle is a memorable adventure that fosters a deep appreciation for wildlife and conservation. It provides a rare opportunity to observe primate behavior in a setting that closely mimics their natural environments, contributing to scientific research and education. The park's commitment to creating naturalistic habitats and offering unique up-close encounters, such as the special Rainforest Adventure tours where squirrel and capuchin monkeys might interact with guests, makes it an unforgettable destination for nature enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

Monkey Jungle was founded in 1933 by Joseph DuMond, an animal behaviorist with a vision to study endangered monkeys in semi-natural habitats. He initially released six Java Macaques into a dense subtropical forest in South Florida, mirroring their native environment. Due to a lack of government funding for his research, DuMond began charging admission to the public in 1935. The territorial nature of the free-roaming Java monkeys led to an innovative solution: instead of caging the primates, DuMond designed enclosed walkways and tunnels for human visitors, creating the park's distinctive "humans are caged" experience. Over the decades, Monkey Jungle expanded its mission to include conservation and education, becoming home to diverse primate species and establishing the Amazonian Rainforest exhibit with plants collected by DuMond's son, Frank, from Peru. The park also notably expanded the enclosure for King the Gorilla in 2001, following a campaign that garnered attention from primatologist Jane Goodall.

What to do here

Walk through the unique mesh tunnels, observing monkeys and other animals roaming freely. Attend scheduled presentations and feeding shows. Participate in the special Rainforest Adventure Tour for a close-up interaction with squirrel and capuchin monkeys. Purchase designated food (like raisins) to feed certain primates via provided feeders.

Seasonal info

South Florida experiences warm and humid weather year-round. The park's Amazonian Rainforest is maintained with an irrigation system to simulate its natural climate. Visiting during the cooler, drier months (roughly November to April) might be more comfortable. Early summer (June/July) can offer the chance to see baby squirrel monkeys.

Accessibility

The park primarily features enclosed walkways and trails. While specific details on full ADA compliance are not extensively published, the nature of the "caged walkways" and trails suggests a generally navigable path for most visitors. It is advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility needs.

Don't miss

Wild Monkey Swimming Pool & Trail

Witness Java Macaques diving for food in their naturalistic pool.

Amazonian Rainforest

Explore North America's only semi-natural tropical rainforest, home to Squirrel Monkeys, Black-Capped Capuchins, and Howler Monkeys. Look for opportunities to participate in the Rainforest Adventure Tour for an immersive experience with these monkeys.

Cameroon Gorilla Forest

Observe King, the Western Lowland Gorilla.

Wings of Love

A sanctuary housing a variety of displaced tropical parrots in free-flight domes.

Wildlife you might spot

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Eastern Gray Squirrel

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Get to the park soon after opening to experience fewer crowds and witness the animals at their most active.

Purchase Monkey Food

Enhance your experience by buying the designated monkey food (often raisins) at the entrance or from dispensers to feed monkeys through the provided chutes and cups.

Check Show Schedules

Consult the daily presentation schedule upon arrival to plan your visit around key feeding times and animal presentations, such as the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool show.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended, as some pathways are covered in cocoa mulch that may stain lighter footwear.

Secure Belongings

Be mindful of small or loose items, especially cameras or hats, as curious monkeys might try to grab them through the mesh, and items lost may not be retrievable.

Consider the Rainforest Adventure Tour

For a truly immersive experience, inquire about the guided Rainforest Adventure Tour, which offers a closer, interactive encounter with squirrel and capuchin monkeys.

Frequently asked questions

: Monkey Jungle's unique appeal lies in its inverted viewing experience; visitors are "caged" in enclosed walkways and tunnels, while the monkeys roam freely in large, semi-natural habitats. This allows for observation of natural primate behaviors without barriers between the animals and their environment.
: Yes, visitors can purchase designated monkey food, such as raisins, at the park. This food can be offered to the monkeys through special feeding cups and tubes provided along the walkways. It is crucial not to feed the monkeys directly by hand, as they are wild animals and may bite.
: Monkey Jungle is home to over 300 primates across more than 30 species. Key species include Java Macaques, Squirrel Monkeys, Black-Capped Capuchins, Red Howler Monkeys, Orangutans, Gibbons, and the Western Lowland Gorilla named King. The park also houses endangered Golden Lion Tamarins, as well as various tropical birds in its Wings of Love sanctuary.