Keeping Monkeys Healthy and Longevity Enhanced Through Proper Diet

Monkeys are fascinating, endlessly entertaining and often incredibly affectionate. They can also be incredibly demanding, requiring lots of time, money and patience to care for. But for those who are able to meet their needs, they can be joyful life-long companions.

Monkeys can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, savannas and snowy mountains. They are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both plants and animals, but their diets differ depending on where they live. For example, old-world monkeys such as baboons and mandrills are more herbivorous and eat mostly leaves and grasses. But in savanna environments, they will hunt for animals such as frogs and small birds and eat their eggs. Meanwhile, new-world monkeys like lion-tailed macaques have a more varied diet and will consume fruit, seeds, vegetables, insects, and even non-native plant parts.

A good rule of thumb is to feed a monkey a high-quality, organic, home-cooked diet. Avoid feeding monkeys treats such as peanut butter, chocolate or honey, and do not give them fruits with a lot of sugar as this can cause weight gain and diabetes.

Some researchers have conducted calorie restriction studies in monkeys, but the results have been mixed. While a study in rodents found that caloric restriction extends longevity, a recent study by the University of Wisconsin found that restricting the diets of adult monkeys did not have the same effect and actually decreased their health and lifespan. The reason for this discrepancy may be related to age, diet and sex.