Caring For a Monkey

Monkeys are primates that eat fruit, nuts, leaves, flowers, bark, roots, insects and other animals. They are omnivorous but the majority of their diets are frugivorous (fruit-eating) or folivorous (leaf-eating). In captivity monkeys should be fed a diet that mirrors their natural diet.

Monkeys use vocalization, facial expressions and body movements to communicate with one another. They also use their long tails to signal aggression and territorial ownership. For example, while to humans a grinning monkey appears to be happy, it may actually indicate aggression or fear in a monkey, Live Science reports. Other body language signals include yawning, head bobbing and baring the teeth.

In the wild, monkeys spend most of their time searching for food and consuming it. They also engage in social grooming and play to stay active. They typically have one baby at a time, and they depend on their mothers for care during their first year of life.

Many monkey species are endangered because people have cut down their rainforest habitats, and some are hunted for bushmeat or traditional medicines. In addition, many monkeys are captured and sold as pets.

When caring for a monkey, be sure to provide a strong cage and lots of toys. Spend a few hours a day playing with him and help him feel comfortable around you. Monkeys are very social creatures and can become depressed if left alone for long periods of time. Never punish a monkey; hitting or yelling will only make him afraid of you and is ineffective at controlling his behavior.