Ninjape appeared in 2004 video game called Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Ninjapes are enemies appearing in Donkey Kong Jungle Beat and its enhanced remake, New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. They appear to be Helper Monkeys who turned towards the lifestyle the of the ninja and originally oppose Donkey Kong in the first levels they’re seen in, in favor of working for the enemy Kongs. After Donkey Kong defeats all his enemies, the Ninjapes have a much higher respect for him and seem to be aligned with him as they can be seen clapping and chanting for Donkey Kong at the end of the game. Despite their name, Ninjapes are monkeys.
Ninjapes first appear in the same kingdom in which Ninja Kong first appears, the Durian Kingdom.
Donkey Kong must also race Ninjapes in the Star Fruit Kingdom's level, Ninjape Rally.