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Posted in Florida Nature, Seasonal April 22, 2018 by Marisa Roman

The Unique Florida Spring That’s Home To Hundreds Of Monkeys

You might expect to see this somewhere close to the Amazon. Perhaps on the outskirts of a resort in a tropical rainforest. But not usually in Florida, unless of course in an enclosure of sorts. However, in this stunning and magical spring, there are hundreds of monkeys who have taken over parts of the area, making this secluded spot in Florida their home.

Silver Springs State Park in Florida is one of the most spectacular places in the state.

Guests of the park can take to the trails and to the water for an epic afternoon adventure well spent.

Most families visit for the epic glass bottomed boat trek, which shows off parts of the turquoise spring that normally are not able to be explored.

But what many visitors to Silver Springs do not know is that there are hundreds of Rhesus monkeys in the park living uninhabited.

Some areas of the park have actually been closed down and become off-limits due to the groups of monkeys that live freely.

It is not at all uncommon for visitors to the park to be paddling their way down the spring and see monkeys randomly lunching on logs or dipping their fingers in the water.

What is most fascinating about Silver Springs State Park is that the majority of the wildlife can completely live in harmony together.

The Rhesus monkeys generally keep to themselves and mind their business as they go about their day.

Residents in the area should also keep an eye out, as the monkeys have been known to stray from the park together, to gather food and explore.

While there will be an abundance of things to view and enjoy at Silver Springs State Park…

…the free-roaming monkeys might just be the best part of the whole trip.

If you’re ready to plan a trip to Silver Springs State Park, you can use the address below to find it on a map:

5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488

The cost of admission to Silver Springs is $2.00 with children under 5 free. The park is open 7 days a week, all year long from 8am to sundown.

If you’re looking for more unique springs to check out in Florida this summer, take a look at This Little Known Swimming Hole In Florida Will Be Your Summer’s Secret Weapon.

Marisa Roman

A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.