A monkey is a member of the primate family, and most are in the Haplorrhini suborder and the simian infraorder, either New World or Old World primates (excluding apes and humans). Monkeys live in hot countries and are often tree-dwellers. Some species eat fruit, while others eat insects and other animals.
In the wild, monkeys spend most of their time foraging for food. That’s what gives them energy and keeps their caloric intake in balance with their energy expenditure. Foraging also allows monkeys to interact with other monkeys and build up their muscles. In captivity, monkeys are more sedentary and tend to eat less.
Getting a pet monkey is a major commitment. These intelligent animals can make wonderful companions for those who have the patience and discipline to provide them with a safe and healthy environment.
Before choosing a particular type of monkey, spend a lot of time researching its characteristics and behaviors. Read books, talk to other owners and try to see monkeys in person.
A monkey should always have a large enough cage to allow it to play and explore safely. The cage must be a solid structure and well-ventilated. It should have a lockable door and be securely attached to the house or other building. It is important that monkeys be able to go out of their cages only when they are under supervision because they may bite people and other animals. If they bite someone, they may get rabies and be euthanized by Animal Control.