Any member of two tropical anthropoid primate groups, the New World monkeys (including capuchins and marmosets) and the Old World monkeys (including baboons and macaques). Most species are arboreal, using their four limbs to grasp branches, though some, like baboons, spend much of their time on the ground. They are diurnal, and most are highly social omnivores, living in clans that may include many adult males and females.
Monkeys are intelligent, and they learn from their parents and other family members which plants are safe to eat. In the wild, they sometimes smell or taste foods before eating them. Monkeys also know which trees are poisonous to them and stay away from those.
Despite being primarily frugivores, monkeys will eat almost anything including berries, vegetables, nuts and seeds. In captivity, it is important to give your monkey a variety of foods so that they do not become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals.
In captivity, it is also important to make sure that your monkey has enough water. Monkeys drink a lot of water and will need a large aquarium type water bowl or a water bottle that is large enough for them to drink from all the time. It is a good idea to change the water at least once or twice a day to ensure that it is clean.
Most states have laws against keeping monkeys as pets, so before you purchase one, be sure to do a lot of research. Be especially careful to follow your state’s legal regulations regarding the dimensions of the cage, entryways and locks. Keep in mind that monkeys don’t toilet train and will excrete wherever they are, so it is a good idea to have a lot of cleaning products on hand for both your house and the monkey’s enclosure.