Welcome to the Monkey Jungle!
I walked in, and all my eskepticism and negativy instantly vanished! I knew right away that I was experiencing something truly unique.
A Wild Adventure a Few Miles South of Miami.
Nestled in the heart of South Miami Dade County, the Monkey Jungle is anything but your average zoo or wildlife park. Unlike traditional attractions where visitors observe animals from behind barriers, this 30-acre sanctuary offers a unique twist: you’re the one in the cage. The ingenious design lets you wander through enclosed pathways while monkeys roam freely in their lush natural habitat.
Established in 1935 by animal behaviorist Joseph DuMond, the Monkey Jungle started as a subtropical paradise for a troop of Java monkeys. DuMond released them in an environment that mimicked their native Southeast Asia. Nearly 90 years later, the park is home to more than 400 primates, representing 30 species, many of which are endangered.
A Unique Immersive Experience.
The slogan Where Humans Are Caged, and Monkeys Run Wild perfectly captures the essence of the Monkey Jungle experience. And it is true - lively squirrel monkeys, cheeky capuchins, and charismatic orangutans - will make sure you are fully convinced within minutes.
Your adventure begins as you feed the monkeys through specially designed feeding trays, an experience that’s as thrilling for adults as it is for kids. Watching a tiny hand reach out for a treat is both charming and unforgettable.
Focus on Conservation and Education
But the Monkey Jungle isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a sanctuary with a mission. Many of its residents were rescued from the exotic pet trade or were former lab animals. The facility provides these animals with a safe haven, focusing on their well-being and rehabilitation. Here, these animals find safety, care, and space to rediscover what it means to live freely.
Inside the jungle, one of the highlights is the Amazonian Rainforest Exhibit, a must-see. This vast enclosure recreates the habitat of the Amazon Basin, home to more than 100 free-ranging monkeys. You’ll spot howler monkeys, tamarins, and other rainforest dwellers living amid lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls. The park’s conservation efforts really shine here, emphasizing the importance of protecting primate habitats worldwide.
Educational programs and guided tours deepen the experience, offering insight into primate behavior, social structures, and the ongoing challenges these animals face in the wild. Through partnerships with conservation organizations, the Monkey Jungle continues to raise awareness and funds to safeguard endangered species.
Plan your visit to the Jungle.
For a break from the typical Miami scene of beaches and nightlife, the Monkey Jungle offers a refreshing, enriching experience. It’s a place where you can marvel at the intelligence and playfulness of primates while supporting conservation efforts that make a real difference. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family with curious kids, or a tourist looking for something unique, the Monkey Jungle promises a memorable journey into the world of primates.
Getting there.
Getting there may be tricky, because, for one, public transportation, although available, can be an annoying adventure given the distance and the time it takes to ride it. Thus, driving is the best option and there is Uber and Lyft, too.
Monkey Jungle