Silver Springs Monkeys
A wild colony of rhesus macaque monkeys has called the Silver River home since the 1930s — one of Florida's most unusual and famous wildlife encounters, right here in Marion County.
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How the Monkeys Got Here
The story of Silver Springs' monkeys begins in the late 1930s with a tour boat operator known as Colonel Tooey. Looking to add exotic flair to his glass bottom boat tours, Tooey released a small group of rhesus macaques onto a tiny island in the Silver River, assuming the water would keep them contained.
He was wrong. Rhesus macaques are strong swimmers. The monkeys quickly crossed to the mainland and established themselves in the lush hardwood hammock along the Silver River. Around the same time, the Silver Springs area was being used as a filming location for Tarzan movies and other jungle-themed productions in the 1930s and 1940s, and additional primates may have been released or escaped during those shoots.
Nearly a century later, the descendants of those original monkeys still thrive in what is now Silver Springs State Park. They are one of only a few established populations of wild rhesus macaques in the United States, and they have become one of the park's most talked-about attractions.
Current Population & Status
Today, an estimated 300 or more rhesus macaques live in and around Silver Springs State Park, organized into multiple troops. The population has been growing at roughly 11% per year, and individual monkeys have been spotted well beyond the park boundaries in surrounding Marion County neighborhoods.
Between 1984 and 2012, wildlife managers trapped and removed approximately 1,000 macaques from the Silver Springs population, but the practice proved highly controversial and was eventually discontinued. Since then, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have continued to evaluate management options without implementing an active removal program.
In September 2025, the Silver River Museum temporarily suspended weekday student field trips as a precaution due to increased monkey activity near the museum grounds. 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.
Research has shown that approximately 30% of the Silver Springs macaques shed herpes B virus (Macacine herpesvirus 1) through saliva and other bodily fluids. While herpes B rarely jumps to humans, infection can cause severe brain damage or death in up to 70% of untreated cases. 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. The CDC considers human infection from wild monkeys to be very rare. That said, the stakes are high enough that following basic precautions is non-negotiable.
Visitor Safety Rules
- 1Stay at least 50 feet away from all monkeys at all times
- 2Never feed the monkeys — it is illegal in Florida (FWC rule, 2018)
- 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 5.5-mile spring run passes directly through monkey territory, and the quiet approach of a kayak means the troops are less disturbed and more visible. Early morning paddles (launch by 8-9 AM) offer the highest chance of sightings.
Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the park. You may also encounter manatees, turtles, otters, and dozens of bird species along the way.
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. While the primary focus of these tours is the crystal-clear spring and underwater views, monkey sightings are a regular bonus, especially on morning tours.
This is a great option for families and anyone who prefers a guided, low-effort experience. Tour prices typically range from $15-$25 per adult.
Glass bottom boat details →Hiking & Walking Trails
The park's trail system passes through hardwood hammock habitat where monkeys forage. Sightings from trails are less predictable than from the water, but they do happen — particularly on the trails closest to the river. Keep your distance if you encounter a troop on the ground.
Full park visitor guide →Maximize Your Chances
- •Go early. Monkeys are most active at dawn and dusk. An 8 AM kayak launch is ideal.
- •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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Rhesus macaque monkeys were introduced to the Silver River area in the late 1930s by Colonel Tooey, a tour boat operator who placed them on a small island to attract tourists. He underestimated their swimming ability, and the monkeys quickly escaped to the surrounding forest. Additional releases during jungle-themed movie productions in the area helped establish the colony that persists today.
How many monkeys live at Silver Springs?
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The population is estimated at roughly 300 rhesus macaques as of recent surveys, spread across multiple troops in and around Silver Springs State Park. The population grows by approximately 11% each year when unmanaged, and the monkeys have occasionally been spotted well beyond the park boundaries.
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 stay at least 50 feet away and never attempt to feed, touch, or approach them. A percentage of the colony carries herpes B virus (Macacine herpesvirus 1), which can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with bodily fluids. The risk of transmission is extremely low when you keep your distance, but the consequences 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. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon along the riverbanks. Glass bottom boat tours also pass through monkey territory. In both cases, you are viewing from the water, which provides a natural and safe buffer distance.
Can you feed the monkeys at Silver Springs?
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No. Feeding any wild monkeys in Florida is illegal under a 2018 rule established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Feeding habituates monkeys to humans, increases the risk of aggressive encounters, and can lead to disease transmission. Violators can face fines.
Are the Silver Springs monkeys being removed?
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Management of the monkey population has been a topic of debate for decades. Between 1984 and 2012, approximately 1,000 macaques were trapped and removed, but the practice was highly controversial and was halted. As of 2025, the FWC and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection continue to evaluate population management strategies, but no active removal program is currently underway.