How to Deal With a Monkey

Monkeys have a lot to deal with: they have complex social systems, can suffer from anxiety and depression, and sometimes fight with each other. But they can also be very loyal. They remember the help of friends, and will even clean their wounds after a skirmish.

Monkeys communicate largely through body language. They show their teeth as a sign of aggression, and their eyebrows will raise when they are angry or scared. Avoid smiling at monkeys, which is seen as a sign of aggression, and never tease or heckle them. Instead, walk away slowly and calmly, avoiding eye contact.

Some monkeys, such as capuchins, will claim objects or spaces as their own, and are prone to attack if people try to take them back. This may be because they are attempting to assert their status in the group, or because they feel they have an unclaimed territory they want to protect. They are often frightened by loud noises and fast movements.

Old World monkeys use their prehensile tails to hold on while they collect food: flowers, fruits, nuts, leaves, birds’ eggs, and insects. Some, like baboons and langurs, will eat meat, such as young antelope or guinea fowl.

Monkeys will often grab whatever is in their reach and can be irresistible to children. However, most monkeys have a shorter attention span than humans and will drop whatever they have grabbed when given a chance to examine it. Bags, camera and other gear with straps are especially tempting for monkeys, and many tourists have been injured trying to protect their belongings. If bitten by a monkey, wash your wound immediately and seek medical attention.