Discover the Unexpected: Flying Monkeys Roam Wild at Silver Springs State Park, Florida

SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. — A video that has rapidly gained attention online captures an extraordinary scene at a Florida spring, where monkeys appeared to be descending straight from the sky.

Trenda Kitchen, while navigating the serene waters of Silver Springs State Park near Ocala, encountered a group of rhesus macaques making dramatic leaps from the trees into the river around her kayak.

The footage shows these agile primates joyfully plunging into the water, showcasing their swimming skills, while Kitchen is heard laughing in disbelief at the unusual sight.

“Oh my God, it’s raining monkeys!” she exclaimed amidst her laughter, clearly amazed by the unexpected encounter.

The animals spotted at the springs were rhesus macaques, an invasive species of monkeys first introduced to the state’s ecosystem by a tour boat operator in the 1930s.

While they may seem cute and are fun to look at, law enforcement has previously told people not to feed, touch or approach the animals. 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commissioners approved a rule change in December 2017 that prohibits the feeding of “free-roaming, non-human primates.” If caught doing so, FWC says you could be charged a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

Other reasons why you shouldn’t try to feed wild monkeys in Florida include increasing the chance of contracting a disease or infection a monkey may have, like Herpes B virus, which can be fatal, as well as causing them to become territorial, according to FWC.

If you happen to stumble upon a wild monkey in the Sunshine State, FWC says take the following steps:

1. Try to take a photo of the monkey(s) from a safe distance.
2. Note the location.
3. Call the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888-IveGot1 (888-483-4681).

Note: If you observe a wild monkey that is posing an imminent threat to human safety, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).

First Coast News’ Malcolm Harvey contributed to this report.