A Guide to Ethical Green Monkey Encounters in Barbados
A wild green monkey with her baby in their natural habitat
The Barbados Green Monkey is a species of African Green Monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) brought to Barbados from West Africa during the transatlantic slave trade over 350 years ago. They’ve since become an iconic part of Barbados’ ecosystem and tourism product. Interestingly, most Caribbean islands don’t have monkeys at all—Barbados is one of the few where they've adapted and continue to thrive in the wild. Their presence in Barbados is both unique and complex.
However, wild animals aren’t photo props—and that includes the beloved Barbados Green Monkey. As cute as they are, these monkeys deserve to live wild and free, not leashed on beaches or passed around for selfies.
This post is part of my Ethical Tourism Series, inspired by #WorldWildlifeDay. If you haven’t yet, check out my related article: Animal Tourism: How to Support Ethical Animal Encounters.
Monkey being held on Kadooment Day
The Dark Side of Animal Tourism in Barbados
Barbados is home to the African Green Monkey, often called the Barbados Green Monkey. Visitors are understandably drawn to them—they’re curious, playful, and incredibly photogenic. But behind those adorable photos is a much sadder story.
Taking photos with monkeys might seem harmless, but it fuels a cycle of exploitation. These monkeys don’t belong on leashes or in crowds. They belong in the wild.
Young monkey on leash sitting on woman’s arm at the beach
Tiny baby monkey being held on beach with leash visible
The Life Cycle of a Captive Green Monkey
Here’s what often happens behind the scenes of those beachside monkey photos:
Baby monkeys are stolen from the wild. Their mothers are frequently killed during capture.
They’re raised by hand and used as props—dragged around beaches and events to attract tourists and earn quick cash.
Once they mature, they’re abandoned or killed. Older monkeys are harder to handle, more aggressive, and no longer seen as cute.
Released monkeys don’t survive. Hand-raised monkeys don’t know how to forage or find shelter. They are often rejected by wild troops and left to die.
And then it starts again. Another baby is taken. Another mother is killed.
This is the hidden cost of that cute vacation selfie.
A Barbados Green monkey enjoying a snack at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Where to Ethically See Green Monkeys in Barbados
If you’re hoping to see Barbados Green Monkeys up close without supporting unethical tourism, there are a few responsible ways to do it—and they’re great for kids too. Two of the best spots are Welchman Hall Gully and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
Welchman Hall Gully is arguably the most natural and ethical place to observe monkeys in the wild. Troops often move freely through the gully’s forested paths, especially in the early morning. Meanwhile, at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the monkeys roam freely throughout the grounds. While the reserve has faced some controversy over the years, it does not cage the monkeys—they can come and go as they please.
Both sites are featured in my Top Kid-Friendly Activities in Barbados, making them ideal for families who want to combine fun and education with ethical tourism.
You can also spot monkeys throughout the island—crossing roads, lounging in trees, or curiously peeking into backyards. If you do see them in the wild, resist the urge to feed or approach them. Instead, observe from a respectful distance. And if you ever come across a monkey that seems hurt or in distress, contact the Barbados RSPCA or the Animal Control Centre for help.
Poster-style educational image with text about monkey cruelty
How You Can Help
If you love animals, the kindest thing you can do is keep your distance. Say no to photos with captive monkeys, and encourage others to do the same.
You can also support the incredible animal welfare organizations working hard to protect animals in Barbados:
The African Green Monkey Project is planting fruit trees across the island, as part of an ongoing project initiated by Karen Howard-Tripp.
Woodbourne Kennels
Action For Animals Barbados has more information on this project, as well as a petition for animal rights in Barbados.
Let’s celebrate wildlife ethically—by protecting it, not exploiting it.