Why Are Monkeys So Interesting?

Monkeys are smart, voracious eaters. Their diets range from delicious tropical fruits to crunchy bugs and just about everything in between—and that’s why monkeys are so interesting.

Many species live in harsh environments, from desert-like savannas to snowy mountains. These animals have adapted to survive, using their thick fur to shield them from the cold and specialized glands that help them retain water. Some also have the ability to bathe in natural or human-made hot springs, a trait that can aid their adaptation to harsh weather conditions.

While we usually think of monkeys as eating bananas, they are actually more omnivorous than you might expect. They also eat leaves, seeds, vegetables, bark, roots, and other fruits in addition to rodents, insects, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Some monkeys are herbivores, such as African colobus monkeys, while others are carnivores like marmosets and tamarins.

Most of the time, monkeys hunt their own food in the wild. However, when they live close to humans, they can become scavengers, raiding gardens and trash cans for leftovers of the foods they find most appealing.

Monkeys can be trained to assist people with everyday tasks, such as turning pages of books or scratching itches, or pushing buttons and switches on computers, phones, or remote controls. If you are thinking of getting a monkey helper, make sure the breeder is USDA-licensed and ask for a background and parentage check. It’s also important to remember that these animals can still carry hepatitis and other diseases that could infect you, so it’s best not to bring them into contact with other people.