Meet the Amazing Monkeys at Howletts:
A Wild Family Adventure This Summer
From acrobatic leaps and playful chases to fascinating family life, monkeys never fail to make visitors smile. Whether they're swinging through the trees, grooming one another or showing off their impressive climbing skills, every visit offers something different.
Home to an incredible collection of rare and endangered primates, Howletts is one of the best places in the UK to discover the fascinating world of monkeys while supporting vital wildlife conservation.
3rd - 9th August 2026
Monkey Week
Looking for fun things to do with kids in Kent this summer? Get ready to meet some of the cheekiest, cleverest and most entertaining animals at Howletts Wild Animal Park during Monkey Week, part of our six weeks of Summer Roar celebrations.
If you're planning a family day out in Kent this summer, Monkey Week is the perfect excuse to come and meet these amazing animals.
Explore Monkey Week
What Makes a Monkey a Monkey?
Monkeys belong to a group of animals called primates, making them close relatives of apes and even humans. There are more than 260 different monkey species living across Africa, Asia, Central and South America, each perfectly adapted to its own environment.
Some spend almost their entire lives high in the rainforest canopy, while others roam rocky mountains or open grasslands. Some have long tails that help them balance as they climb, while others live mainly on the ground in large social groups.
Although every species is different, monkeys are famous for their intelligence, curiosity and strong family bonds, making them some of the most fascinating zoo animals in Kent to watch.
Amazing Monkey Facts Every Child Will Love
Think you know monkeys? Here are some incredible monkey facts to impress your friends.
1.
Some monkeys use tools
Certain monkey species use sticks, stones or leaves to help them find food or solve problems.
2.
They can recognise faces
Many monkeys remember members of their family and can even recognise individual faces after long periods apart.
3.
Family comes first
Most monkeys live in close-knit family groups where adults help care for babies and protect one another.
4.
They have their own language
Monkeys communicate using calls, facial expressions, body movements and even different alarm sounds depending on the danger nearby.
5.
They're incredible athletes
Some monkeys can leap astonishing distances between branches using powerful legs and remarkable balance.
6.
They love to forage
A monkey's day is often spent searching for fruit, leaves, flowers, insects and seeds, keeping both their bodies and minds active.
Meet the Monkeys at Howletts
One of the reasons families love visiting Howletts is the incredible variety of primates living throughout the park. Each species has its own personality, behaviours and fascinating story.
Black & white colobus
Fun fact: Colobus monkeys don't have thumbs, helping them move quickly through the branches.
De Brazza's Monkeys
Native to the forests of Central Africa, they're often quieter than many other monkey species, so you'll need to keep your eyes peeled.
Dusky langurs
Dusky langurs are born with bright orange fur before gradually changing colour as they grow.
François' Langurs
These beautiful monkeys have striking black coats and distinctive white sideburns.
Gelada baboon
Geladas are unique primates famous for their dramatic red chest patch, earning them the nickname "bleeding-heart monkeys."
Javan langur
These elegant monkeys are excellent climbers, spending much of their day exploring the treetops.
Lion-tailed macaque
One of the world's rarest monkeys, lion-tailed macaques are instantly recognisable by their magnificent silver manes and tufted tails.
Pied tamarin
Tiny, energetic and always busy, pied tamarins are among the smallest monkeys you'll see during your visit.
Squirrel monkey
Small, curious and full of energy, squirrel monkeys rarely stay still for long. Their playful antics make them one of the most entertaining species for children to watch.
Sulawesi macaque
These intelligent monkeys are highly social and spend much of their day interacting with one another.
White-naped mangabey
These lively monkeys are known for their expressive faces, playful personalities and impressive climbing abilities.
No matter which species you discover first, every enclosure offers something new to see.
Monkey Families and Friendships
One of the most heartwarming parts of visiting Howletts is watching monkey families interact.
Babies cling tightly to their mothers during their first few months before becoming more adventurous and starting to explore.
Older brothers, sisters, aunts and other family members often help look after younger monkeys, while grooming sessions strengthen friendships and build trust throughout the group.
You'll often spot playful youngsters chasing one another, adults quietly relaxing together or curious monkeys investigating something new.
Every family has its own personalities, making every visit unique
Plan Your Monkey Week Adventure
Join us for Monkey Week during Summer Roar and discover the playful, intelligent and fascinating primates that make every visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park an unforgettable family adventure. Alongside monkeys, you'll also meet tiger cubs, elephants, gorillas, rhinos and hundreds of incredible animals during six weeks of summer fun. Book your tickets online today and make this summer one to remember.
