Facts About Monkeys

Monkeys are intelligent, playful creatures with a vast array of abilities. In the wild, monkeys are omnivorous consuming leaves, flowers, shoots, fruits, seeds and insects, depending on the habitat. They are also expert foragers, using their skills to locate and collect food sources in their environments.

Monkeys in the wild typically live in groups and are socially connected. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocal signals. Among the most notable are the loud roar choruses produced by colobus males, and within-group chirps and grunts by redtail monkeys. These calls signal group meetings, territory boundaries, and other important events. They are also used to mark the passage of time, as the choruses of colobus and other males at dawn signal daybreak.

Capuchin monkeys and certain other species use a range of tools, including rocks to break open palm nuts, sticks to extract grubs and termites from twigs and bark, and fingers to dig for honey or fish for termites in underground storage organs. They are one of the few non-human animals to have developed tool use, which has been shown to help monkeys overcome difficult challenges and solve problems.

In some parts of the world, monkeys are kept in captivity as pets. This practice is controversial, especially since monkeys can carry hepatitis and can be aggressive if not properly cared for. Most monkeys kept as pets are ultimately given to zoos or sanctuaries when they are too old for their owners to care for.