Facts About Monkeys

Monkeys are the most intelligent primates and are sometimes used as service animals for disabled humans. They are also great at communicating with one another and can be a lot of fun to watch. They are highly social animals and live in groups called troops which can range from a few individuals to thousands. These groups are lead by an adult male and usually consist of a mix of adult females, their offspring, and unattached adult males. They spend much of their day grooming each other and their environment as a way to keep bonds strong within the group.

They are omnivores and eat both plants and animals, but most monkey species have diets that lean heavy on plant matter. For example, New World monkeys consume 95% of their calories from plant foods and 5% from meat or invertebrates.

In the wild, they are smart at figuring out what will be readily available in their habitat at certain times of year. They use this information to create a seasonal plan for foraging.

In addition to eating, monkeys also enjoy a good game of hide-and-seek or a good swim in a lake. They have been known to use large leaves to create cups that they can dip into the water and drink out of. They may also float on their backs in the water and reach their hands down to the surface for any fish hiding underneath.