Animal lovers will love being transported around the globe during Monkey Kingdom, Disneynature’s newest feature film that comes out today and features Macque monkeys in the luscious jungles of South Asia. This all-ages film features gorgeous scenery of monkeys in their natural habitat but also teaches wildlife conservation, geography, and reinforces the importance of family.
During Monkey Kingdom we found ourselves rooting for Maya, a lowly monkey in the kingdom’s hierarchy whose position is almost Cinderella like. She’s picked on by the alpha male monkey’s favorite females (aka The Sisters) who enjoy a luxurious life.
Maya is forced to watch The Sisters enjoy all the things she’s not privileged enough to have: access to the jungle’s best food first, protection from the elements, and help from fellow monkeys who must cater to their needs and help with their children. It seems that poor Maya doesn’t have a chance especially when her love interest is chased away by the alpha male and she becomes a single mom, raising her son, Kip, on her own.
But in a twist that involves a turf war with a rival monkey group, Maya and her tribe are forced to leave their Castle Rock home and fend for themselves. Their journey takes them to areas inhabited by humans where Maya demonstrates street smarts to survive until they can return to claim Castle Rock as their own.
Learning with Monkey Kingdom
The beautiful scenery and images of monkeys in their natural habitats makes filmgoers want to know more about the monkeys such as where in the world they live and their natural habitat. Monkey Kingdom instill a desire to protect animals and their homes and can be used to teach interdisciplinary lessons that will motivate even the most reluctant learners to learn.
Teachers and homeschooling families with kids in grades 2-6 will find a wealth of resources available through the free downloadable Disneynature Monkey Kingdom Educator’s Guide. The 100 page guide features age appropriate lessons based on Monkey Kindgom. These highly motivating student activities incorporate lessons on geography, biodiversity, math, reading and language arts, and more that are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, National Science Standards, and common core Language and Math Standards.
Supporting Conservation Through Opening Week Ticket Sales
For every ticket sold opening week (April 17-23), Disneynature will make a donation to Conservation International in your honor to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats. Learn more at http://nature.disney.com/monkey-kingdom.
For more information about Monkey Kingdom:
- Like Disneynature on Facebook: Facebook.com/Disneynature
- Follow Disneynature on Twitter: Twitter.com/Disneynature
- Follow Disneynature on Tumbler: http://disneynature.tumblr.com/
- Follow Disneynature on Instagram: http://instagram.com/disneynature
- Visit the official Monkey Kingdom website: http://nature.disney.com/monkey-kingdom
My family received complimentary tickets to attend the screening of Monkey Kingdom. I was not required to post and all opinions are my own and those of my family. Images courtesy of Disneynature.
