by Karen R.

Joseph DuMond, an animal behaviorist, released six monkeys into the wilds of dense South Florida in 1933, never realizing his endeavors would help shape the attitudes of many in the primatological and zoological fields. What he did over seventy five years ago signified the beginning of the larger thriving group of primates that runs free at Monkey Jungle today.  Monkey Jungle is a primate “biopark” – a place where monkeys and apes thrive; conservationists study, train and conduct projects; and where visitors can explore and learn.  

Situated off of U.S. 1 in South Dade County, Monkey Jungle was an innovator of many of the concepts currently seen in the design of zoological parks. It is home to nearly 400 primates, most running free on a 30 acre reserve. It is one of the few protected habitats for endangered primates in the United States and the only one that the general public can explore.

Visitors are greeted by the Java monkey troop, now numbering in the 80’s. The Java monkeys forage through the Jungle eating natural foods. They are skilled divers in the wild, collecting crabs and other shellfish along the riverbanks and mangrove swamps.

The 30 species of primates represented at Monkey Jungle include gibbons, guenons and spider monkeys. The Golden Lion Tamarin is native to the Brazilian jungle. Threatened with extinction, Monkey Jungle proudly participates in an international effort to save the tiny creature. Since primates are becoming increasingly scarce in the wild, Monkey Jungle devotes considerable effort to breeding them.

The Orang-Utan, or Pongo Pygmaeus, is found in the forests of Borneo. Orang-Utans spend nearly all their time in the trees, rarely descending to the ground. A large part of their diet consists of ripe fruit and adults usually forage and live alone. The most stable groupings are females and dependent infants. Due primarily to habitat destruction, these apes are severely endangered. Despite international law, illegal trade continues.

As forest dwelling primates, orangutans are entirely dependent on the forest for their survival. Unfortunately, Indonesia and Malaysia have some of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, and logging, both legal and illegal, has seen wild populations decimated. Forest conversion for pulp and paper and palm oil plantations now pose an even bigger threat, and it is believed up to 1,000 orangutans are also killed every year, either for the pet trade, for consumption or as agricultural pests.

As part of the park’s continuing effort to promote the understanding of primates, Monkey Jungle has given a new look at the lifestyle of the orangutan. Always unpredictable, visitors often witness impromptu acts by Mei, a very lovable ape.

Recently, Monkey Jungle expanded its primate conservation mission to include parrots from around the world. Monkey Jungle and Wings of Love Foundation, a non-profit organization, have created a sanctuary for captive parrots that have been displaced or can no longer be cared for by their owners.

To adopt a primate or participate in a volunteer program, please contact Monkey Jungle.  Every little bit helps.  www.monkeyjungle.com