Today, December 14th, is World Monkey Day, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness for primate conservation and welfare. The day, which began as a playful online campaign in 2000, now serves as a critical reminder of the threats facing over 260 monkey species globally, from habitat loss to the illegal wildlife trade. Beyond its conservation focus, December 14th also marks a diverse range of ancient events, as detailed below.
Today, December 14th, marks World Monkey Day, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of respecting and conserving the world’s primate populations. The day highlights the need to view monkeys as wild animals, not pets, in an effort to combat illegal trading and exploitation.
With over 260 species of primates facing increasing threats, the observance aims to promote their sustainable development and encourage governments worldwide to implement protective policies. The initiative began in 2003 with an art exhibit at the University of Michigan and has since grown into a global movement.
Currently, there are 264 known species of monkeys globally, ranging in size from the large baboon to the tiny pygmy marmoset. Like humans, these mammals possess opposable thumbs and utilize tools in their daily lives. The majority of the world’s monkey populations are concentrated in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Monkeys are distinguished from apes by the presence of a tail, which apes lack.
December 14th: A Look Back at Historical Events
Beyond World Monkey Day, December 14th has been a significant date throughout history. Here’s a look at some other events that occurred on this day:
- 1503 – French apothecary Michel de Nôtre-Dame, better known as Nostradamus, was born.
- 1799 – George Washington, the first president of the United States, passed away.
- 1824 – Great Britain formally recognized the independence of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata.
- 1887 – Argentine painter, writer, and astrologer Xul Solar was born.
- 1900 – Argentine musician Juan D’Arienzo was born.
- 1946 – British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin was born.
- 1947 – Brazilian politician and economist Dilma Rousseff was born. She served as president of Brazil from 2011 to 2016.
- 1949 – British musician Cliff Williams, a member of the band AC/DC, was born.
- 1952 – Argentine actress and model Graciela Alfano was born.
- 1956 – Argentine journalist and sports commentator Osvaldo Príncipi was born.
- 1964 – Uruguayan musician and composer Francisco Canaro died.
- 1979 – English former footballer Michael Owen was born.
- 1979 – The British band The Clash released their third studio album, London Calling.
- 1988 – American actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens was born.
- 1991 – Argentine rock band Soda Stereo performed a concert on Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires, attracting an estimated crowd of 250,000 people.
- 1993 – Argentine writer and poet Silvina Ocampo died.
- 2003 – Boca Juniors of Argentina defeated AC Milan of Italy in Tokyo, Japan, to win the Intercontinental Cup.
- 2013 – Irish actor Peter O’Toole, known for his role in Lawrence of Arabia, died.
- 2019 – Danish actress and singer Anna Karina died.
- 2022 – Argentine actress and vedette Haydée Padilla died.
- World Monkey Day is celebrated.
