Discovering Morgan Island: The Secret 'Monkey Island' Near Hilton Head
Nestled off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina, lies a little-known treasure that many locals and visitors are unaware of—Morgan Island, more commonly known as "Monkey Island." While Hilton Head Island is celebrated for its pristine beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts, this neighboring island holds a fascinating secret: it's home to a colony of over 4,000 free-roaming rhesus monkeys.
In this article, we’ll explore the intriguing history of Morgan Island, its current role as a monkey habitat, and why this hidden gem remains one of the Lowcountry’s best-kept secrets.
The Origins of Monkey Island
Morgan Island’s story begins far from the coast of South Carolina, in Puerto Rico. In the 1970s, a population of rhesus macaques living on La Parguera, a small island in Puerto Rico, was relocated to Morgan Island. The relocation was prompted by the need to create a safe and secluded environment for these primates, away from the human population.
The monkeys were originally part of a research colony used by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for studies on various diseases, including polio and hepatitis. Morgan Island, with its 2,000 acres of dense maritime forests, swamps, and marshland, provided an ideal habitat where the monkeys could thrive without human interference.
Life on Morgan Island
Today, Morgan Island remains off-limits to the public, as the monkeys are part of an ongoing research program. The island is managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) in partnership with Charles River Laboratories, which conducts biomedical research.
1. A Self-Sustaining Ecosystem: Morgan Island is a unique, self-sustaining ecosystem where the rhesus monkeys live, breed, and forage for food. The island’s diverse landscape, which includes tidal creeks, salt marshes, and maritime forests, supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. The monkeys roam freely across the island, with minimal human intervention, making it one of the most naturalistic primate habitats in the world.
2. No Human Residents: One of the reasons Morgan Island remains such a hidden gem is that it has no human residents. Access to the island is strictly controlled, with only authorized personnel allowed to visit. This lack of human presence has helped to preserve the island’s natural beauty and ensured that the monkeys remain largely undisturbed in their habitat.
3. Ongoing Research: While the monkeys on Morgan Island are not native to the area, their presence has provided valuable insights into primate behavior, disease transmission, and other biomedical research topics. The ongoing studies conducted on the island have contributed to important scientific advancements, particularly in the field of infectious diseases.
Why Is Morgan Island a Secret?
Despite its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, Morgan Island has managed to remain largely under the radar. There are several reasons for this:
1. Restricted Access: Morgan Island is not open to the public, which has helped to maintain its secrecy. The island is surrounded by marshland and is accessible only by boat, making it difficult for curious visitors to approach. Signs posted around the island warn against trespassing, and the waters surrounding the island are patrolled to ensure that the monkeys are not disturbed.
2. Lack of Promotion: Unlike other natural attractions in the Lowcountry, Morgan Island is not actively promoted as a tourist destination. Its primary purpose is to serve as a research facility, and efforts are made to minimize human impact on the island. As a result, many people are simply unaware of its existence.
3. Focus on Preservation: The organizations responsible for managing Morgan Island are committed to preserving the island’s ecosystem and the well-being of the monkeys. By keeping the island off-limits, they can ensure that the research program continues without disruption and that the monkeys are able to live in a natural and undisturbed environment.
How to Experience Morgan Island
While you can’t set foot on Morgan Island, there are still ways to catch a glimpse of its furry inhabitants. Several local tour operators offer boat trips around the island, where you can observe the monkeys from a distance. These tours provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the island’s history and the research program, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Lowcountry’s waterways.
1. Boat Tours: Boat tours typically depart from nearby Beaufort or St. Helena Island and take you on a guided journey around Morgan Island. As you cruise through the salt marshes and tidal creeks, you’ll have the chance to spot the monkeys playing in the trees or foraging along the shoreline. The tours also provide information about the island’s ecosystem, the history of the rhesus monkey colony, and the ongoing research efforts.
2. Wildlife Watching: In addition to the monkeys, the waters surrounding Morgan Island are home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, ospreys, and herons. A boat tour around the island offers a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat, making it a great option for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
The Intrigue of Morgan Island
Morgan Island, with its secretive population of rhesus monkeys, is one of the Lowcountry’s most intriguing and mysterious places. Its combination of rich history, unique ecosystem, and ongoing scientific research makes it a fascinating destination, even if you can only view it from a distance.
While the monkeys on Morgan Island may never be as famous as the beaches of Hilton Head or the historic streets of Beaufort, they are an important part of the region’s story. The island serves as a reminder of the many hidden gems that the Lowcountry has to offer—places where nature, science, and history come together in surprising and remarkable ways.
So, the next time you find yourself exploring the coast of South Carolina, take a moment to appreciate the secrets hidden just beyond the horizon. You might not be able to visit Morgan Island, but knowing it’s there adds an extra layer of wonder to your Lowcountry adventure.
