Florida has established populations of wild monkeys, which are not native to the state. These primate communities have adapted to Florida’s diverse environments. Their presence stems from various introductions, leading to distinct groups thriving in specific regions across the state.
Florida’s Wild Monkey Populations
Florida is home to several populations of non-native monkeys, with Rhesus macaques and vervet monkeys being the most prominent. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are largely concentrated around Silver Springs State Park in central Florida, inhabiting areas along the Silver River and extending to the Ocklawaha River. Originally from Asia, their numbers in the Silver Springs population are estimated to range from 175 to 400 individuals.
Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) are primarily found in South Florida, specifically in the Dania Beach area near Fort Lauderdale. This population consists of around 40 individuals distributed among several groups. While Rhesus macaques are known to spread, vervet monkeys have maintained a more stable and contained presence within their South Florida habitat.
Their Unintended Arrival
The presence of wild monkeys in Florida is a result of past human activities, rather than natural migration. Rhesus macaques were first introduced to Florida in the 1930s by a glass-bottom boat operator named Colonel Tooey. He released about six monkeys onto an island in the Silver River near Silver Springs State Park, intending them as a tourist attraction for his “Jungle Cruise” rides. Rhesus macaques are strong swimmers, and they quickly escaped the island to establish themselves in the surrounding forests.
Vervet monkeys in Dania Beach have a different origin story, stemming from escapes from a research facility in the 1940s. These primates were part of the Anthropoid Ape Research Foundation, which imported monkeys from Africa for biomedical research. A 1948 escape led to some individuals establishing a wild population in the mangrove forests near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where their descendants reside today.
Coexisting with Wild Monkeys
The presence of wild monkey populations in Florida raises several ecological and public health considerations. Rhesus macaques, in particular, can impact native ecosystems; studies have shown them preying on bird eggs. In the Florida Keys, Rhesus macaques introduced for biomedical research in the 1970s caused significant destruction of mangroves before their removal.
Beyond ecological concerns, Rhesus macaques can carry the Herpes B virus, which poses a health risk to humans. Although human cases are rare, transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or contact with bodily fluids, and the virus can be fatal. To promote safety and reduce potential conflicts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises against feeding or approaching wild monkeys. Feeding these animals can make them more aggressive and territorial, increasing the likelihood of human-monkey interactions and disease transmission.
A 2017 FWC rule prohibits feeding free-roaming monkeys, with violations punishable by fines and potential jail time. If you encounter a wild monkey, observe from a safe distance and avoid any attempts to interact. Should you spot a wild monkey, especially outside known populations, document the sighting with a photo from a safe distance, note the location, and report it to the FWC Exotic Species Hotline. In situations where a wild monkey poses an imminent threat to human safety, contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline.