What is a Monkey?

A monkey is a primate that combines strong prehensile tails and highly intelligent use of tools with the ability to walk upright on two feet. They can climb, swim, and even make a jacuzzi out of a pool or sprinklers (cynomolgus macaques do this at our center). They also have excellent memories, complex vocal systems and social strategies that rival soap operas. Their intelligence makes them great subjects for studies that help us understand how the brain works and treat mental disorders.

Monkeys are found worldwide in rainforests, savannas and mountains. Some, such as New World monkeys like spider monkeys and marmosets, live in pairs that form the basis of a troop. Others, such as titi monkeys and marmosets from South America, are polygamous and have many group members. Monkey babies spend most of their time playing, which helps them develop the physical and social skills they need for adulthood. Some, such as the titi monkeys and marmosets, have fathers who take on almost all of the care for infants. They carry them on their backs and watch over them, letting Mom nurse when necessary.

Some species of monkeys have cheek pouches that expand to the size of their stomachs and can hold food. These pouches can save a monkey a long walk if it needs to flee from a threat but doesn’t want to leave its food behind.

Monkeys move around a lot, looking for food and spreading seeds as they go. In the wild, this can help their habitat continue to grow and thrive. Unfortunately, some people hunt and kill monkeys to sell as pets or for meat. Tough laws need to be in place to protect monkeys from poachers and to keep them in their natural homes.