Monkeys need a balanced diet of fruits, veggies and proteins. They also require plenty of water to keep them hydrated and give them the energy they need for tree climbing and exploring their environments.
Monkeys can be very intelligent, especially Old World monkeys such as macaques and barbary macaques (also known as Barbary apes). They are primarily tree-dwelling (arboreal), though some species are ground-dwelling. Most monkeys move around by clinging and leaping on branches or by walking on all fours (quadrupedalism). Some have prehensile tails, which they use to help them hold onto things. Others, such as the cotton-topped tamarin, have no tails at all.
In the wild, monkeys hunt for food and eat leaves, roots, seeds, flowers, birds’ eggs, insects, mammals like antelope and young baboons, and other plants and animals. They also collect and consume fruit. Monkeys’ cheek pouches allow them to stuff leaves and other foods on the run, so they can chew them later. Many monkeys also spread the seeds of fruit they eat, which helps the plants to grow.
Keeping a monkey as a pet is a full-time commitment. They live up to 40 years and do not mature in the same way as human children do, so they require a lifetime of full attention. Additionally, monkeys can be aggressive and are prone to self-biting and self-mutilation. In addition, monkeys require large and secure enclosures that can be expensive to construct. The monkey’s environment must be rich in ever-changing toys and exercise equipment to keep the animal happy and engaged, as they can quickly become bored.