When we think of monkeys, we typically envision chimpanzees or other great apes, but there are many types of small primates that live as pets. These animals are a lot of fun to watch as they explore their environment, investigate objects before throwing them around with glee, and mimic our movements.
Monkeys are a member of the genus Cercopithecinae and are divided into two subfamilies, New World monkeys and Old World monkeys. The New World monkeys are found in Mexico, Central America and South America, while the Old World monkeys are located in Africa, Asia and Japan.
Like humans, monkeys can display a variety of emotions including love, anger and sadness. They also show the same signs of body language that we use to convey emotions such as a smile or frown, Live Science reports. For instance, monkeys often bare their teeth when they’re happy, but this behavior can also indicate aggression.
Some monkeys are prone to biting or scratching, even their most favored caregivers, as they try to assert their dominance over the group. They’re also known to get into things they shouldn’t, like cords, cleaning products and windows. Their curiosity and playful nature make them entertaining to observe, but they are not the right pets for most people as they need a full-time commitment throughout their entire lifespans.
Monkeys can live up to 20-40 years, which is a long time to care for an aggressive and unmanageable animal. Bringing a monkey into your home should only happen after careful consideration and planning with the help of experts to ensure you can meet their needs.