Silver Springs Monkeys
Wild rhesus macaque monkeys have called the Silver River home since the 1930s — one of Florida's most unusual and famous wildlife encounters, right here in Marion County.
Silver Springs State Park near Ocala, Florida is home to wild rhesus macaque monkeys (about 190 in fall 2015, per UF/IFAS), descended from animals a tour boat operator released along the Silver River in the 1930s and around 1948. They are free-ranging and are most reliably seen by kayak, canoe or glass bottom boat along the Silver River. A 2018 study in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases found antibodies to herpes B virus (macacine herpesvirus 1) in about 25% of macaques captured in 2000-2012, so keep your distance. Feeding them is illegal under FWC rule 68A-4.001. The park's main entrance is at 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488; see our Silver Springs State Park guide.
- -About 190 wild rhesus macaques lived in Silver Springs State Park in fall 2015 (UF/IFAS estimate), in several groups.
- -They descend from monkeys released along the Silver River in the 1930s and around 1948 to draw tourists — not from a movie set, and not native to Florida.
- -A 2018 study in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases found herpes B antibodies in ~25% of macaques captured in 2000-2012. Keep your distance; never touch, approach or feed them.
- -Best viewing: kayak or canoe the Silver River, or take a glass bottom boat.
- -Feeding wild monkeys anywhere in Florida is illegal under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rule 68A-4.001.
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How the Monkeys Got Here
The story of Silver Springs' monkeys begins in the 1930s with a boat-tour operator known as Colonel Tooey. According to a University of Florida IFAS publication, he released about six rhesus macaques onto an island in the Silver River, hoping they would attract tourists to his boat tours, and about six more around 1948. (Today's glass bottom boat tours are run by the park's concessionaire.)
The monkeys quickly swam to the surrounding forest and established themselves along the Silver River. Silver Springs was also a filming location for Tarzan movies, which gave rise to a popular story that the monkeys escaped from a film set, but UF/IFAS says macaques were at Silver Springs before the filming and no rhesus macaques appear in the film.
Nearly a century later, the descendants of those original monkeys still live in what is now Silver Springs State Park, and they have become one of the park's most talked-about sights.
Current Population & Status
A University of Florida IFAS publication estimates about 190 rhesus macaques in Silver Springs State Park in fall 2015, living in several groups. The numbers have swung over the decades, from about 78 in a 1968 study to nearly 400 in the 1980s, and by the early 1990s monkeys had been sighted as far as 11 miles north and 18.5 miles south of the river.
According to UF/IFAS, 217 macaques were captured and sold for biomedical research in 1984, and about 830 more from 1998 to 2012. The practice generated a great deal of public controversy and has since halted. Feeding wild monkeys is now prohibited under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rule 68A-4.001.
In late September 2025, the Ocala Gazette reported that the Silver River Museum had temporarily postponed weekday student field trips as a precaution because of increased monkey activity in the area; the museum stayed open to the public on weekends. The monkeys remain a fixture of the park and continue to be one of the most popular reasons visitors explore the Silver River.
Safety Guidelines & Herpes B Virus
These are wild animals. Admire them from a distance — never feed, touch, or approach them.
A 2018 study in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases found antibodies to herpes B virus (Macacine herpesvirus 1) in about 25% of Silver Springs macaques captured in 2000-2012, and found 4% to 14% of monkeys sampled in the fall 2015 mating season shedding the virus in saliva. While herpes B rarely jumps to humans, infection can cause severe brain damage or death if untreated. Transmission requires direct contact — a bite, scratch, or exposure to monkey bodily fluids.
The risk to visitors who observe from a safe distance is extremely low. UF/IFAS notes there has never been a confirmed report of a person catching herpes B from a wild macaque. That said, the stakes are high enough that following basic precautions is non-negotiable.
Visitor Safety Rules
- 1Keep a safe distance from all monkeys at all times
- 2Never feed the monkeys — it is illegal in Florida (FWC rule 68A-4.001)
- 3Do not make direct eye contact or display teeth, which monkeys interpret as aggression
- 4Keep all food sealed and out of sight when near monkey areas
- 5If a monkey approaches you, back away slowly — do not run
- 6If bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately and seek medical attention
- 7Keep children close and educate them about not approaching wildlife
Best Ways to See the Monkeys
Kayak the Silver River
Paddling the Silver River is the single best way to spot monkeys. The river runs about 5 miles from the head spring through the park, and the quiet approach of a kayak means the monkeys are less disturbed. Rentals open at 8 AM, and early launches beat the weekend crowds.
Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the park's main entrance. You may also see turtles, alligators and wading birds along the way, and occasionally, in winter, manatees.
Kayaking guide for Ocala →Glass Bottom Boat Tours
The iconic glass bottom boats at Silver Springs occasionally pass areas where monkeys congregate along the riverbank. The primary focus of these tours is the clear spring and underwater views; a monkey sighting is a bonus.
This is a great option for families and anyone who prefers a guided, low-effort experience. On October 9, 2026, the 30-minute tour cost $17 for adults and $15 for seniors 55+ and kids 3-12.
Glass bottom boat details →Hiking & Walking Trails
The park's trails, including the River Loop to a Silver River overlook, pass through forest near the river. Sightings from trails are less predictable than from the water, but they do happen. Keep your distance if you encounter a troop on the ground.
Full park visitor guide →Maximize Your Chances
- •Go early. Rentals open at 8 AM, and an early launch means a quieter river.
- •Stay quiet. Loud noises scare troops deeper into the forest canopy.
- •Watch the trees. Monkeys spend much of their time in the canopy, not just on the ground.
- •Bring binoculars. A good pair lets you observe behavior without getting too close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there monkeys at Silver Springs State Park?
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According to a University of Florida IFAS publication, a boat-tour operator known as Colonel Tooey released about six rhesus macaques on an island in the Silver River in the 1930s to attract tourists, and about six more around 1948. The monkeys quickly swam to the surrounding forest. The popular story that they came from a Tarzan film is false: IFAS notes macaques were at Silver Springs before the filming and none appear in the film.
How many monkeys live at Silver Springs?
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A University of Florida IFAS publication estimates about 190 rhesus macaques in Silver Springs State Park in fall 2015, living in several groups. By the early 1990s, monkeys had been sighted as far as 11 miles north and 18.5 miles south of the river, well beyond the park.
Is it safe to be near the Silver Springs monkeys?
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Visitors can safely enjoy viewing the monkeys from a distance. The key rule is to keep well back and never attempt to feed, touch, or approach them. Some of the monkeys carry herpes B virus (Macacine herpesvirus 1), which can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with bodily fluids. UF/IFAS notes there has never been a confirmed case of a person catching herpes B from a wild macaque, but the consequences of infection can be severe.
What is the best way to see the monkeys?
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Kayaking or canoeing the Silver River is the most reliable way to spot monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks. Glass bottom boat tours also pass along the river near the head spring. In both cases, you are viewing from the water, which provides a natural buffer distance.
Can you feed the monkeys at Silver Springs?
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No. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rule 68A-4.001 prohibits feeding wild monkeys. Feeding habituates monkeys to humans and, as UF/IFAS notes, may make them aggressive toward people.
Are the Silver Springs monkeys being removed?
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Management of the monkey population has been debated for decades. According to UF/IFAS, 217 macaques were captured and sold for biomedical research in 1984, and about 830 more were captured and sold to research facilities from 1998 to 2012; the practice drew public controversy and has since stopped. Feeding the monkeys is now illegal under FWC rule 68A-4.001. Because policy has shifted over the years, check with the FWC or Florida State Parks for the current status.
Explore More Near Silver Springs
Explore More Ocala Springs
Marion County is the spring capital of Florida — keep planning with these guides to first-magnitude springs, river adventures, and waterfront experiences nearby.