In the wild, monkeys are voracious eaters with diets that range from juicy tropical fruits to crunchy bugs. They’re also intelligent, curious animals that quickly learn new skills. Monkeys are also known for their ability to use tools to obtain hard-to-acquire food, like larvae, ants, and encased seeds.
While monkeys live in forests and savannas, some species (such as geladas and golden monkeys) prefer mountainous environments and others (like Japanese macaques) enjoy snowy slopes. Some monkeys, such as spider monkeys, have long tails that allow them to reach fruit high in trees.
Many monkeys, especially young ones, can be diapered or at least partially toilet trained, but they often lose this ability with maturity. Monkeys also have very poor eyesight and are susceptible to dehydration. Their body language is sometimes misinterpreted; for example, a monkey’s bared teeth may look like a human smile, but it can actually be a sign of aggression or fear, Live Science reports.
Most monkeys used for research are humanely killed as an integral part of the experimental process. However, in some cases (such as with former breeding stock and surplus animals) the EU Directive 2010/63/ allows for rehoming to legitimate sanctuaries.
Some monkeys are also rehomed as helper animals, helping their humans with tasks such as turning pages, scratching itches, pushing buttons on remote controls or phones, and repositioning limbs in wheelchairs. These animals can greatly increase the quality of life for their humans. If you’re considering a monkey as a pet, be sure to find a USDA-licensed breeder and ask plenty of questions before you buy one.