The park was established in 1933 after Joseph DuMond released six Java monkeys into the hammock to observe their natural social behavior.
The facility utilizes a 'caged human' concept, reversing traditional zoo dynamics by keeping visitors in meshed walkways while primates roam the perimeter.
Monkey Jungle is home to one of the few semi-free-ranging colonies of orangutans in the United States.
The grounds feature a 30-acre tropical hardwood hammock, a rare native forest ecosystem in Miami-Dade County.
The park maintains a research facility that has contributed to various studies on primate cognition and communication.
Monkey Jungle is a 30-acre subtropical park where primates roam freely in a simulated natural habitat. Founded in 1933 by Joseph DuMond, the facility features a 'caged humans' design where visitors walk through protected walkways while monkeys move about the surrounding jungle. The park serves as a research center and sanctuary for several endangered species, including orangutans and golden lion tamarins. It contains a unique Amazonian rainforest habitat created specifically for its inhabitants. The grounds are lush with tropical vegetation and limestone structures. Visitors observe various monkey species interacting in social groups within the park's outdoor enclosures. It currently operates as an educational and zoological attraction in South Miami Heights.
The mesh-covered walkways provide unique, direct vantage points for capturing clear photos of monkeys interacting in the canopy without glass glare.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as the terrain consists of natural paths that can be uneven.
Bring mosquito repellent, as the humid, jungle-like environment attracts insects throughout the year.
Stay on the designated mesh-covered pathways at all times to ensure your safety and the monkeys' well-being.
Do not attempt to touch the animals or pass hands through the mesh; monkeys can be unpredictable and are stronger than they appear.
Do not feed the monkeys, avoid tapping on the mesh, and keep voices low to avoid agitating the animals.
