Monkeys are intelligent animals that love to play, eat, swing through trees and care for their young. They are part of many zoos and conservation locations across the world.
They live in family groups of 18 to 20 monkeys, which is much more like the way we live than the wild. This makes them popular pets but their behavior can become aggressive after a few years in captivity.
How they communicate with each other
Monkeys use a variety of communication methods, including vocalizations and body language. They can show love, anger, sadness, mourning and even laughter.
When they are angry, monkeys grin or pull their lips up to reveal their teeth. They also jerk their head and shoulders forward.
How they show affection
Monkeys show their appreciation to other members of their group by grooming each other. They may clean wounds and lick each other’s ears.
How they fight
The way monkeys fight is a mystery to humans, but it is a lot more complicated than merely hitting one another. In addition to fighting for their lives, monkeys fight over territory and food.
What they eat
There are over 250 species of monkeys, from pygmy marmosets that are less than six inches tall to colorful-nosed mandrills that can weigh up to 100 pounds. They eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits and grubs.
What they look like
They vary widely in appearance, with some looking more similar to other primates than others. For example, proboscis (“nose”) monkeys from Borneo have long Pinocchio-like noses that can enhance their vocalizations and attract female mates. Other monkeys are shorter and slender with small noses.