Monkeys are cute, and some people might be tempted to get one as a pet. But before you make the decision, it’s important to understand a few things about monkeys:
Baby Monkeys and Cognitive Abilities
Baby monkeys are very intelligent; they learn language and acquired behavior at an early age. They are also capable of solving complex problems and quickly adapting to changing environments.
They are a very social animal, and they form strong bonds with their peers.
It is common for monkeys to live in troop groups, with males leading a group of females and other males. A group is usually dominated by one male, but other males may take over if the leader dies or is taken away from the troop.
A troop will often break into smaller units if food is not available. These smaller groups will look for different sources of food, which can include twigs, dry bark, and even ripe fruits.
In the wild, some monkeys will engage in acts of cannibalism for a number of reasons. These include pregnant females or young who are still weaned.
Research and Conservation Activities
Although most research primate species are macaques or marmosets, rhesus monkeys are also used in laboratory experiments (see box below). Many species are part of breeding programs, which help boost their populations and increase their chances of surviving in the wild.