Dirty Jobs Season 1 Episode 33 Monkey Caretaker

In season 1, episode 33 of Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe takes on the role of a Monkey Caretaker. He visits Jungle Island, a wildlife park located in Miami, Florida, where he learns about the daily tasks involved in taking care of a group of monkeys.

Mike meets with the head caretaker, who explains that the park has over 300 animals, including 30 monkeys. As a caretaker, Mike's job is to clean and maintain the monkey habitats, feed them, and monitor their behavior for any signs of illness or injury.

The first task Mike takes on is cleaning the monkey habitat. He is given a pressure washer and instructed to hose down the area to remove any debris. He soon realizes that the monkeys are not pleased with the noise and water, and they start throwing food and objects at him. Mike quickly learns that being a monkey caretaker requires patience and a sense of humor.

Next, Mike is shown how to prepare the monkey's food. He is given a recipe that includes a mix of vegetables and fruits, and he is instructed to blend it together. Mike finds the smell of the blended mixture to be quite unpleasant and struggles to keep it down as he prepares it for the monkeys.

After preparing the food, Mike heads back to the monkey habitat to give them their meal. The monkeys are excited to see him and quickly swarm around him. Mike learns that he has to be careful with how he distributes the food, as some monkeys are more aggressive than others and may steal food from their weaker counterparts.

Mike spends the rest of the day observing the monkeys and learning about their behavior. He is surprised to see how social they are and how they interact with each other. He also learns about the different types of monkeys at the park, including capuchin monkeys, which are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the episode, Mike also learns about the challenges of being a monkey caretaker. The head caretaker tells him about the risks involved in working with monkeys, such as the possibility of being scratched or bitten. Mike is also shown how to properly protect himself by wearing gloves and other protective gear.

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating look into the world of monkey care and the hard work that goes into maintaining a healthy and happy habitat for these animals. Mike's experiences as a monkey caretaker also highlight the importance of patience, observation, and a willingness to learn in the world of animal care.