There are no native monkey species in Australia. Monkeys can only be seen in Australian zoos. While there is no direct study of why monkeys are not found in Australia, some speculate that the geography and no land bridge between Australia and other countries which monkeys can migrate from.
National Geographic describes the ‘Wallace and Weber Lines’ as imaginary boundaries dividing Asia and Australia’s biogeographical regions. These lines mark where different plants and animals reside. Learn more.
Asian monkeys like macaques, gibbons, and langurs can’t cross to Australia because they can’t swim or fly across the barrier. This lack of natural connections between Australia and other regions explains why there are no wild monkeys in Australia.
Which Zoos in Australia Have Monkeys?
Australia boasts several zoos with diverse monkey species. These include Darling Downs Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, Hunter Valley Zoo, Taronga Zoo, and Melbourne Zoo. You’ll find dusky leaf monkeys, hamadryas baboons, common marmosets, emperor tamarins, and tufted capuchins at these locations.
- Numerous zoos house monkeys
- Species include dusky leaf monkeys, hamadryas baboon
- Major zoos: Darling Downs, Adelaide, Taronga
What Animals Are Exclusive to Australia?
Australia boasts a unique array of animals found only there. This includes koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, platypuses, echidnas, and many more.
