Silver Springs' Wild Monkeys Attract Visitors (and Controversy)

SILVER SPRINGS, FL — A traditional “Jungle Cruise” for Florida tourists wouldn’t be complete without monkeys. But at Silver Springs State Park, the hordes of rhesus macaques are no longer a planned part of the show. They’ve been roaming wild since the 1930s.

The monkeys have attracted tourists — and controversy — for years. But a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control has labeled them a public health threat because they carry the potentially deadly Herpes B virus.

Family of rhesus macaque monkeys. — Rhesus macaque monkeys are native to wide swaths of the Asian continent. They are intelligent and highly adaptable. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

In the 1930s, a glass-bottom boat operator released the original troop of monkeys on an island. There was just one problem. He didn’t know the monkeys could swim . . .

The monkeys are a common sight along the river, but watching them jump from the overhead trees an swim is a rare experience!

Rhesus Macaque Swimming — The swampy banks of the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers offer a steady banquet of plants and animals. Unfortunately, the monkeys have also become accustomed to human handouts. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

This monkey has found a dry seat atop a cypress knee where she’s enjoying a plant root for a snack. The monkeys are omnivores eat bird eggs, bugs, bark, small animals . . . pretty much whatever they can get their hands on. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

Wild rhesus macaque monkeys have been spotted in several locations in Florida, including Apopka, Fruitland Park and even Sarasota. In addition, feral colonies have also established themselves in Puerto Rico and South Carolina. They are even comfortable living among humans.

Rhesus Monkeys Arguing — The familiar sight of wild monkeys on the Silver River may become a thing of the past, now that a new government study has declared them to be a public health threat. The monkeys can be aggressive, and they carry the deadly Herpes B virus. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

Silver Springs - Rhesus Macaques — There haven’t been any reported cases of monkeys infecting humans with Herpes B in Florida. However, there have been 50 documented cases of transmission of the virus from monkeys to human researchers, resulting in 21 deaths. The virus has been found in the monkeys’ saliva and excrement. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

Young Rhesus Macaque — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would like to see the monkeys removed. Previous efforts to remove them have not succeeded. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

Options for removing the monkeys include trapping and sterilization.

An estimated 200 rhesus macaques live in the vicinity of Silver Springs State Park along the Silver River and Ocklawaha River. The troops are large, loud and eager for a handout from humans. Visitors who feed the monkeys have contributed to the problem of their aggressive behavior toward humans. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

During a recent trip to photograph the monkeys, a family on a small boat was seen throwing food to dozens of monkeys on shore as their dog barked and the monkeys hissed and screeched. Such interactions may eventually contribute to the removal of the monkeys. Aggressive behavior has led to park closures in recent years.

Juvenile Rhesus Macaque — In spite of the potential risks, the playful monkeys are one of the reasons kayakers and boaters visit the Silver River, in addition to the river’s world-renowned scenery and rich history. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

What’s your opinion of the monkey controversy? Visit the Florida Traveler Facebook page to share your opinion. (Photo: *Michael Warren / Getty Images*)

How to See the Monkeys of Silver Springs

The monkeys range widely along the 6-mile Silver River and along the Ocklawaha River in the Ocala National Forest. They move often, so sightings are never guaranteed. Monkeys are frequently seen within the Silver Springs State Park, which offers glass-bottom boat rides.

Kayakers can now launch near the head spring in Silver Springs State Park. Kayak rentals (including clear-bottom kayaks) are available starting at $20 for one hour. The cost of a full-day tandem rental is $45. Rentals with transportation back from Ray Wayside is $50. For information, call (352) 261-5842.

Another option is to boat or paddle upstream from the Ray Wayside Park boat basin. Parking at Ray Wayside costs $5.

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