Welcome to the Monkey Jungle

Monkeys South of SoBe!

I don’t remember exactly when I first visited the Monkey Jungle. I do remember standing outside the entrance, eyeing the ticket price and thinking it felt a bit steep, though. That feeling didn’t last long. The moment I stepped into the jungle, everything changed — for the better.

I walked straight into a slice of wilderness, and all my skepticism and negativity vanished. Within minutes, I knew I was experiencing something rare and unforgettable.

The air was thick with green. Trails wound through dense tropical foliage, and above me — monkeys! Swinging, leaping, peeking out from the trees with curious eyes. At Monkey Jungle, humans are the ones in cages, walking through enclosed pathways while monkeys roam freely in their natural habitat. It's not a zoo — it's an ecosystem. And one of the few places like it in the entire country.

If you’re ever heading south from SoBe toward Homestead or the Everglades, don’t skip this stop. It’s wild, weird, and full of charm. And yes — 100% worth the ticket.

A Wild Southernmost Adventure

Nestled in the heart of South Miami-Dade County, the Monkey Jungle is anything but your average zoo or wildlife park. This 30-acre sanctuary flips the script: you’re the one confined to a cage. Enclosed walkways wind through lush, untamed habitat, while monkeys swing, explore, and interact freely all around you.

Founded in 1935 by Animal Behaviorist Joseph DuMond

The Monkey Jungle began as a bold experiment. One day, DuMond released a troop of Java monkeys into the South Florida wilderness, creating an environment that mimicked their native Southeast Asia. Nearly 90 years later, that experiment has grown into a one-of-a-kind refuge — now home to over 400 primates across 30 species, many of them rare or endangered.

Focusing on Conservation and Education

Monkey Jungle isn’t just a tourist stop — it’s a sanctuary with a mission. Many of its residents were rescued from the exotic pet trade or retired from use in laboratories. The facility offers these animals a safe haven, with a focus on rehabilitation, well-being, and dignity. Here, they rediscover what it means to live freely — in space that respects their nature.

One of the park’s highlights is the Amazonian Rainforest Exhibit, a true must-see. This vast enclosure mimics the habitat of the Amazon Basin and is home to over 100 free-ranging monkeys. You’ll spot howler monkeys, tamarins, and other rainforest dwellers living among dense foliage, hanging vines, and cascading waterfalls. The exhibit is a living reminder of why protecting wild habitats matters — and what’s at stake when we don’t.

Through educational programs and guided tours, visitors gain deeper insight into primate behavior, social structures, and the ongoing threats these animals face in the wild. In partnership with global conservation organizations, Monkey Jungle raises both awareness and critical funds to help protect endangered species around the world.

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 may be tricky, because, for one, public transportation, although available, can be an annoying adventure...