Wild monkeys do live in Florida. These non-native primates have established breeding populations across the state, becoming an unexpected element of Florida’s diverse wildlife. Their presence is a result of historical introductions and escapes from captivity, rather than natural migration. This article explores the types of monkeys found in Florida, their origins, where they reside, and the environmental and public health considerations associated with their wild populations.
Presence and Species Identification
Florida is home to established populations of two wild monkey species: rhesus macaques and vervet monkeys. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are Old World monkeys from Asia, known for their adaptability. They typically have brown or gray fur, pink, hairless faces, and short tails. Adults weigh between 12 and 17 pounds and stand about 1.5 to 1.7 feet tall.
Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) are from West Africa and are smaller than rhesus macaques. They have grizzled-grey fur, black faces with a white fringe of hair, and distinctively turquoise-blue scrotums in males. These monkeys typically measure 16 to 24 inches tall with tails ranging from 12 to 20 inches, weighing 7 to 11 pounds.
Origins of Florida’s Wild Monkeys
Florida’s wild monkey populations originated from human activity in the 1930s and 1940s. Rhesus macaques in central Florida trace their lineage to a group released near the Silver River in Silver Springs State Park. In the 1930s, a tour boat operator released six rhesus macaques onto an island for a “Jungle Cruise” attraction. These monkeys are strong swimmers and quickly left the island to establish themselves in surrounding forests.
An additional six macaques were released around 1948, further growing the population. By the 1980s, their numbers along the Silver River reached 400, and by 2016, the Silver Springs State Park population was at least 176, despite removal efforts.
Vervet monkeys stemmed from escapes at a research facility in South Florida. In the 1940s, vervet monkeys escaped from the Anthropoid Ape Research Foundation near Dania Beach. This facility imported primates from Africa for biomedical research, including polio vaccine development. These monkeys adapted to the local environment, forming a stable, smaller population. Genetic research confirmed these monkeys are Chlorocebus sabaeus, originally from Sierra Leone.
Where They Live
Wild monkey populations in Florida are concentrated geographically. The largest rhesus macaque population resides in central Florida, particularly around Silver Springs State Park and extending into the Ocala National Forest. These monkeys are often seen along the Silver River, where their ancestors were first released. Sightings have also been reported in wider areas, including Jacksonville and Orange City near Orlando.
The vervet monkey population is localized, primarily near Dania Beach in South Florida. They inhabit areas around the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, adapting to natural mangrove forests and urbanized landscapes. While their numbers are smaller than rhesus macaques, estimated at 40 individuals in 2020, they have maintained a stable presence in this region.
Ecological and Public Health Considerations
The presence of non-native monkeys raises ecological and public health concerns. Ecologically, rhesus macaques impact native ecosystems by competing with native wildlife for resources and altering habitats. They are omnivorous and consume bird eggs, which can negatively affect local bird populations. Their presence has also been linked to mangrove destruction in other introduced areas, leading to shoreline erosion.
From a public health standpoint, rhesus macaques pose a risk as they can carry the Herpes B virus, harmless to monkeys but potentially fatal to humans. While officials emphasize the risk is low if people do not approach them, aggressive behavior, including charging, has occurred. Feeding wild monkeys is prohibited in Florida; it encourages them to approach humans and increases the risk of negative interactions and disease transmission.