Thousands of Feral Monkeys Live in the Wild in the US!

In several spots in Florida and South Carolina, thriving wild troupes of rhesus macaques have established themselves from monkeys that either escaped or were released. These troupes are not only surviving, but living well and having babies. There are estimated to be over 1000 monkeys in Florida, most of which carry the herpes virus, and are considered a public health threat. In South Carolina's Sea Islands, over 3000 individuals are living on Morgan Island, descendants of lab animals brought in for experimentation.

One of the earliest colonies of rhesus macaques was formed in Florida near Silver Springs in 1938, from monkeys that were released on purpose. Legend had it that the monkeys were supposed to be background for a Tarzan film. In fact, the only Tarzan movie ever filmed at the spot had no rhesus macaques in the production, due to the ill tempered disposition of the species. The real blame lies with a tour boat captain called Colonel Tooey, who let the monkeys go along the river to attract business and make his Jungle Cruise tour more authentic. The SIlver River is still home to this octogenarian troupe.

Squirrel monkeys and vervet monkeys have also been found roaming the state as well, many finding their ways into the wild after Hurricane Andrew and other storms destroyed their original facilities. One rhesus caused so much mischief, he became known as the "Mystery Monkey of Tampa Bay" and evaded efforts to catch him for many years, until 2012. He had a facebook page with thousands of followers and was mentioned in on "The Colbert Report". This monkey was reputed to always look both ways before crossing a street and was almost meticulous in his evasiveness, until he was finally brought down by a tranquilizer dart in St. Petersburg. He now lives the comfortable life of a primate celebrity in Wild Things Zoo, where he goes by Cornelius.

Many people seem to love the monkeys and root for them, despite tabloid headlines like "Herpes-infected monkeys terrorize Florida"; in which the macaques are reported to eat dirt and spiders!