Facts About Monkeys

Monkeys are found all over the world in two groups: New World monkeys, in Mexico and Central America, and Old World monkeys, including Africa, Asia, and Japan. Across both groups, there are more than 250 extant species.

Monkeys use vocalizations, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate with one another. They may bark, scream, clap, hoot, squeak, or whine to alert others to danger, mark their territory, or express emotions. Their long tails are often used to hold onto branches while they forage for food on the ground or in the trees.

In the wild, monkeys eat a variety of fruit, leaves, seeds, nuts, flowers, insects, and birds’ eggs. Many species, like saki monkeys, eat up to 50 different types of fruit per day. The fruits they consume help the habitat in which they live by spreading seeds and ensuring future vegetation will grow.

A monkey kept as a pet can become a dangerous, destructive creature that can bite or scratch. In addition, they can carry parasites and zoonotic diseases that are dangerous to humans.

In the United States, it is illegal to keep a monkey without a USDA permit. Those who own or wish to own a monkey should only work with reputable breeders who are USDA-licensed and provide extensive care to the monkeys they sell. This includes proper enclosures and a large outdoor space to roam and explore. Monkeys in captivity often suffer from psychological distress due to their mistreatment by humans, and this can cause them to display stereotypies such as pacing or rocking that can be difficult to stop.