Monkeys are curious animals that can get into all sorts of trouble both in captivity and in their natural environment. They have forward facing eyes and flat noses and they can yawn to show that they are tired. They also have opposable thumbs that help them climb and reach food sources.
They are very social animals and live in troops that usually consist of several females with young along with either a single male (hamadryas baboons, mandrills, most guenons and langurs) or multiple males (savannah baboons and macaques). Like humans and other apes, monkeys can be playful and mischievous. They can also be intelligent and resourceful. In spirit animal terms, if a monkey shows up in your life, they may be trying to remind you to have fun and to let your wild side out to play.
Many people find themselves attracted to monkeys and some even keep them as pets. Feeding wildlife is illegal in some areas but it is common to see monkeys rummaging through garbage cans for food. Monkeys can become aggressive and destructive if they are not stimulated and entertained with toys and other activities that will keep them busy.
They have a wide range of emotions including love, anger and sadness. They can also show compassion and grief for loved ones who die. They have a strong sense of loyalty within their troop and often resent newcomers to the group. They have a good grasp of language and can use tools such as rocks to get to water sources. They are able to adapt to their changing environments and are often found living in places that were once inhabited by other species of monkey.