Monkeys have large brains and are known for their inquisitiveness. They use vocalizations, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate with one another. They also have long tails which are used to hold on while they collect food. They are often seen swinging through the trees of their rainforest homes.
Some monkeys use their feet to grip branches, while others have very flexible hands which allow them to move through the forest canopy. They fill their cheek pouches with flowers, fruit, nuts, leaves, seeds, and insects as they roam the forest, and some species have more specialized diets. Colobus monkeys, for example, eat mostly leaves and have special chambered stomachs that enable them to digest toxic foliage that other monkeys cannot.
In captivity, monkeys are trained with positive reinforcement to encourage the behaviours that their keepers want them to demonstrate. This helps reduce the stress they experience as a result of their captivity and experimentation, which in turn means that they are more likely to cooperate when required for research.
Monkeys are often seen in movies, TV shows, and in zoos. They are often considered to make excellent pets, but the reality is that keeping a monkey can be very challenging. Monkeys have long lifespans and don’t mature the same as humans, so their needs can be quite different to those of a human child. For these reasons, they are not appropriate pets for most families. If you do decide to get a monkey, it is important that you find a reputable breeder. Ask to see their USDA license and try to avoid brokers.