Currently, there are about 260 species of monkeys scattered around the planet and 25 of them are in serious danger of extinction.

The main causes of the endangerment are black market poachers.

For this reason, several environmental organizations use this day as a platform to spread a message advocating care, respect and a better lifestyle for monkeys, which share about 95% of genes with humans.

The day owes its popularity to students at the University of Michigan, who turned the date into an art event with sculpture exhibits, paintings and even themed parties in honor of all apes.

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