I think they’ll be sayÂing someÂthing like this:
“It’s MonÂkey Day, what will we do?”
“Let’s just do MonÂkey Things.”
“But we do MonÂkey Things every day …”
“That’s reaÂson to celÂeÂbrate then!”
And so, a celÂeÂbraÂtion it is!
MonÂkey Day, celÂeÂbratÂed annuÂalÂly on DecemÂber 14, is an unofÂfiÂcial globÂal holÂiÂday dedÂiÂcatÂed to appreÂciÂatÂing monÂkeys, apes, and othÂer priÂmates. It is wideÂly used by activists and wildlife orgaÂniÂzaÂtions to raise awareÂness about priÂmate conÂserÂvaÂtion, protest the exotÂic pet trade, and advoÂcate for ethÂiÂcal aniÂmal rights.
If you disÂapÂprove of zoos, you can celÂeÂbrate MonÂkey Day through ethÂiÂcal, zoo-free activÂiÂties that cenÂter on conÂserÂvaÂtion and respect:
- SupÂport EthÂiÂcal SancÂtuÂarÂies: Instead of a zoo, donate to or virÂtuÂalÂly adopt a priÂmate at a verÂiÂfied, accredÂitÂed sancÂtuÂary. RepÂutable orgaÂniÂzaÂtions like the Pan African SancÂtuÂary Alliance proÂvide lifeÂlong, humane care to resÂcued chimÂpanzees and gorilÂlas.
- Avoid ExploitaÂtive Media: The exotÂic pet and “enterÂtainÂment” trades are major threats to monÂkeys. You can observe the day by takÂing a pledge nevÂer to like, share, or engage with social media posts feaÂturÂing capÂtive monÂkeys perÂformÂing tricks or dressed as humans.
- EduÂcate and AdvoÂcate: Learn about the threats monÂkeys face in the wild, such as habiÂtat destrucÂtion and the illeÂgal wildlife trade. Use your voice to World AniÂmal ProÂtecÂtion by signÂing petiÂtions to end the globÂal wildlife trade and supÂport resÂcue projects.
- Host a Themed GathÂerÂing: CelÂeÂbrate with friends by makÂing monÂkey-shaped foods, watchÂing docÂuÂmenÂtaries about priÂmates in the wild (such as David AttenÂborÂough’s series), or creÂatÂing your own monÂkey-themed art.
- Learn About Local PriÂmates: If you want to see priÂmates localÂly, supÂport research and rehaÂbilÂiÂtaÂtion efforts rather than traÂdiÂtionÂal exhibits. Check out the wildlife rehaÂbilÂiÂtaÂtion and proÂtecÂtion work done in GerÂmany by orgaÂniÂzaÂtions like Pro Wildlife to see how you can help wild habiÂtats flourÂish
AniÂmals are amazÂing creaÂtures. You probÂaÂbly knew.