What You Should Know About Monkeys

Monkeys are super cute, but they can be naughty too. They are very clever and good at problem solving, caring for their companions and searching out food. They often work in a group with a leader who looks out for danger and alerts the others to food. Monkeys are omnivores, eating both fruits and nuts as well as meat and eggs.

Most monkeys are tree-dwelling (arboreal), but some species, such as baboons, live on the ground. They are active mostly during the day (diurnal). Most have a coat of hair, but some have bare areas of skin. These bare areas are usually brightly colored. Grooming is a way for monkeys to express affection and make peace with other members of the troop.

Monkeys have strong prehensile tails, which they use to grasp tree branches and hold things like leaves or fruit. They also have two arms and two legs, which they use to walk or run. Some have bare feet, but most species have furry feet.

The smallest monkey is the pygmy marmoset, which weighs only 100g and can fit in your hand! Some monkeys have large ears. They can hear their fellow monkeys from a distance and communicate with different sounds, including by barking, growling, howling or moaning. Some can even whistle!

It is not a good idea to keep monkeys as pets. They can cause physical and emotional harm, and may escape from a home or die due to neglect. Instead, encourage children to learn more about monkeys in their natural habitat, such as by donating or volunteering with the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance to help protect Africa’s endangered primates.