Monkeys are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of seeds, fruits, nuts and other plant matter as well as insects and small animals. They live in forest and savanna habitats around the world. Some species are adapted to harsh environments like desert-like savannas or snowy mountains, such as the Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), known as “snow monkeys.” Their thick fur helps them survive cold weather and even bathe in natural hot springs.
Most monkeys live in a social group of other monkeys, or troops. The members of a troop share grooming, parenting and hunting duties for food. They may also have complex social relationships with other groups in the area. Some groups may form a hierarchy with one monkey acting as leader.
Many species are endangered, with monkeys being particularly vulnerable to human activity. People cut down parts of their rainforest homes; hunt them for meat, fur and medicinal ingredients; and capture them to sell as pets.
When monkeys are ripped from their mothers at a very young age to be sold as pets, they often have behavioral problems and lead unhappy lives that can include aggression and biting. Purchasing any kind of exotic pet encourages primate breeders and poachers to continue this vicious cycle, so please don’t contribute to the monkey pet trade.
Despite their wild appearance, most monkeys do fairly well in captivity. They need a large, secure enclosure with a wide variety of challenging toys and exercise equipment to prevent boredom. They also need plenty of social interaction from their fellow monkeys. Isolating a monkey from their troop creates severe behavioral and physical issues that cannot be reversed. The best way to help monkeys is to support refuge locations that offer protected lands where they can live their lives without being harmed or in need of care by humans.