Barbados Green Monkeys
As you're exploring Barbados, don't be surprised if you spot a cheeky green monkey scampering across a garden wall, darting through a sugar cane field, or swinging through a gully. These playful locals are part of everyday life on the island - and a delight to encounter!
Green monkeys aren't actually native to Barbados - they were brought here from Senegal and The Gambia in West Africa over 350 years ago. Since then, they've made the island their home, adapting over generations to become a bit different from their African cousins.
You'll see them most often in the lush, green parishes of St. John, St. Joseph, St. Andrew, and St. Thomas, where there's still lots of natural vegetation and woodlands. But they're not shy - guests staying in hotels in St. James or St. Peter sometimes wake up to find a monkey or two exploring the grounds!
One of the most heartwarming sights is a mother monkey carrying her baby. At first, the babies look bluish in colour - they're almost hairless when born - and they cling tightly to their mother's belly. As they grow and get more confident, they'll start exploring on their own, though mom keeps a close eye!
As they mature, the monkeys grow soft, thick fur that ranges from brownish-grey to olive green with flecks of yellow. In certain lighting, they even look slightly green - which is how they got their nickname: the Green Monkey.
Want a closer look? Head to Welchman Hall Gully or the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where you can watch the monkeys being fed in a natural setting. These are two of the best spots on the island for monkey sightings - and they're a hit with both kids and adults. Or, hop on a guided island tour that includes a stop at one of these locations for the full experience.
Does Barbados have monkeys? Yes, Barbados is home to a very large population of green monkeys - estimated to be several thousand in number. What type of monkeys are there in Barbados? There is only one type of monkey in Barbados - the green monkey.
Why are they called green monkeys? While the overall appearance of these monkeys appears 'green', the coat of this species of monkey is actually a brownish-grey in colour with specks of olive green and yellow.Barbados Monkey Tours
What People Typically Ask
The green monkey was introduced into Barbados from Senegal and the Gambia in West Africa over 350 years ago.
It is possible that prior to this, monkeys from South America were brought to the island however only the green monkey is currently found on the island.
