Last Updated on February 4, 2024
There are many great places to see monkeys in Florida.
Let’s get real. There’s plenty of monkey business happening in Florida.
Whether roaming in the wild, living at a roadside attraction, or retiring in a sanctuary receiving world-class care, monkeys are scattered throughout Florida.
We’ve compiled a list of the spots our Authentic Florida team thinks are “ape-solutely” the best.
Where to See Monkeys in Florida
Center for Great Apes, Wauchula
The Center for Great Apes’ mission is to provide a permanent sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees who have retired from the entertainment industry, from research, or who are no longer wanted as pets.
They provide care with dignity in a safe, healthy, and enriching environment for great apes needing lifetime care.
The Center offers educational tour opportunities for the public and other ways to help. (Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee, Bubbles, is one of the many famous residents).
Center for Great Apes Address: 5843 Van Simmons Rd, Wauchula, FL 33873
Additionally, it’s one of our favorite charities in Florida.
Dania Beach Vervet Project, Dania Beach
In the late 1940s, a group of monkeys escaped from their home at the Dania Chimpanzee Farm after being imported from Africa.
Since they ended up in the mangroves of Dania Beach and became a treasured part of the community.
The organization helps protect the monkeys and believes in compassionate conservation.
Compassionate conservation merges animal welfare and conservation science to promote respect, justice, and compassion for all wildlife.
In addition, they promote conservation, awareness, and education about all of the monkeys of Dania Beach.
Dania Beach Monkey Sanctuary Address: 1628 NE 6th Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Learn more about this non-profit 501 c3 organization at the official Vermet Project website. Want to help? Click here.
Historic Monkey Island, Homosassa
Did you know that in the middle of the Homosassa River is an island a family of monkeys calls home?
The staff at the Homosassa Riverside Resort takes care of the monkeys and feeds them twice a day. In fact, you can see the monkeys from the resort’s grounds.
“How did the monkeys get there?” you may be wondering. They were first brought to America to help perfect the polio vaccine.
The monkeys were housed elsewhere. They got into a lot of trouble escaping, getting into cars, stealing candy, and biting tourists.
That, in a nutshell, is how Monkey Island came to fruition.
A major renovation is in the works. They welcome donations and are holding a FUNdraiser Banquet on April 11th.
Learn more on the Historic Monkey Island Facebook event page.
Monkey Island Address: 10985 W. Xanadu Path, Homosassa, FL 34448
While in the area, check out some of our favorite things to do in Crystal River: Discover New Adventures in the Manatee Capital of the World.
Monkey Jungle, Miami
Established in 1935, Monkey Jungle is a tropical forest teeming with jungle wildlife that lives precisely as it would in its natural habitat.
Joseph DuMond originally released six Java monkeys into the South Florida wild, and that event is what made Monkey Jungle what it is today.
If you visit, expect to be greeted by a troop of over 90 Java monkeys, all descendants from the original group.
This 7-acre park section is known as the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool. As you explore the area, the monkeys roam throughout the forest and swim into the pond for treats.
Monkey Jungle Address: 14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170
While in the area, check out our favorite things to do in the Miami area: Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami.
Lion County Safari, Loxahatchee
Lion Country Safari is not just about the majestic felines, but also about the cheeky primates that call it home.
The monkeys at Lion Country Safari are a sight to behold, with their playful antics and curious nature.
This Florida roadside attraction should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Check the Lion Country Safari Facebook page for last minute discounts and updates.
Lion Country Safari Address: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Wild Monkeys in Florida
Rhesus macaques and vervet monkeys are the species reproducing in Florida, according to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission.
They have been spotted around the Silver Springs/Ocala area, Orange City (north of Orlando), and other locales around the state
Vervet monkeys have been seen near the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.
Feeding wild monkeys in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
There’s a map online that keeps track of rhesus macaque sightings in Florida.
Additional Places to See Monkeys in Florida
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Address: 900 North Birch Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
Silver Springs State Park
Address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
BONUS: Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar
If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, stop by the Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar in Orlando.
This low-key cafe has delightful coffee and plenty of quick-bite options for vegans and vegetarians.
We recommend ordering the Mojo Jojo Iced Coffee (a coffee with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon).
There’s a drive-thru if you want to stop by from the comfort of your vehicle.
The Drunken Monkey Address: 444 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
While stopping by Drunken Monkey, check out some of our favorite things to do in Orlando: 7 Ways to Experience Orlando Like a Local.
If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check out the following:
Since I love the zoo, I know I would love it here.
Perfect place to visit in Florida especiallu if you are an animal lover. Thank you for sharing.