Scientists group all monkeys into two main families: Old World monkeys (found in Africa and Asia) and New World monkeys (found in Central and South America).
Monkeys
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Facts About Monkeys
A group of monkeys is called a troop, and some troops can have as many as 100 members living together!
The smallest monkey in the world is the pygmy marmoset, which weighs about the same as a stick of butter (around 100 grams).
The male mandrill is the largest monkey species, weighing up to 77 pounds (35 kg) — about as heavy as a big Labrador retriever!
Baby monkeys are called infants, just like human babies, and they usually stay close to their mothers for the first few months of life.
Most monkeys can live between 20–30 years in the wild, but some can live up to 50 years when cared for in zoos!
There are over 260 different species of monkeys living in the world today!
Most female monkeys give birth to just one baby at a time, and they usually only have a baby every 1–4 years.
Spider monkeys don’t have thumbs, but their tails are so strong they can hold their entire body weight while hanging from a branch!
A howler monkey’s call can be heard up to 3 miles (5 km) away — that’s as far as 50 football fields placed end to end!
Proboscis monkeys have noses that can grow longer than a standard 6-inch (15 cm) ruler, 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) long, and they get bigger as they get older!
Many monkeys have special padding on their bottom called “ischial callosities” that works like a built-in cushion for sitting on tree branches!
Golden lion tamarins have bright orange or reddish-gold fur because of their genes, not just their food. While some animals, like flamingos, get their color from what they eat, these little monkeys are born with their stunning orange coats!
Some monkeys, like the Japanese macaque, have special blood vessels in their faces that can change color to show their emotions!
A monkey’s tail can be longer than its entire body — the spider monkey’s tail can reach up to 35 inches (89 cm) in length!
Monkeys have forward-facing eyes like humans, which gives them excellent depth perception for jumping between trees!
Most monkeys have fingerprints and toeprints that are unique to each individual, just like human fingerprints!
The emperor tamarin monkey has a magnificent white mustache that can grow longer than its face!
Capuchin monkeys use rocks as tools to crack open nuts and shells, showing they understand how to use simple tools!
Many monkey species take turns watching out for danger while others in their troop eat or sleep!
Young monkeys learn by playing games with each other, just like human children do at recess!
Some monkeys clean each other’s fur (called grooming) for up to 2 hours every day — it helps them make friends and stay healthy!
Some monkeys clean each other’s fur (called grooming) for up to 2 hours every day — it helps them make friends and stay healthy!
Monkeys can understand basic math and can count up to 4 or 5 objects!
Some monkeys, like the proboscis monkey, are such good swimmers they can actually swim underwater to escape danger!
Snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) live in areas where it snows, and they keep warm by soaking in natural hot springs!
Many monkeys sleep in trees to stay safe from predators, and some even make simple beds out of leaves and branches!
Some monkeys that live in mountains can survive at heights of up to 15,000 feet (4,570 meters) — that’s higher than most airplanes fly when taking off or landing!
Colobus monkeys have special stomachs with multiple chambers, like cows, to help them digest tough leaves!
Howler monkeys have special throat structures that work like natural megaphones to make their calls louder!
Some monkey species work together with other types of animals, like birds, to warn each other when predators are nearby!
Capuchin monkeys rub certain plants on their fur as natural insect repellent!
Most baby monkeys are born with their eyes open and can cling to their mother’s fur right away!
Young monkeys stay with their mothers for at least 6 months to learn important survival skills!
Many monkey species carry their babies for the first few months of life, but some let other troop members help with babysitting!
Most monkeys reach adulthood between 4–8 years of age, depending on their species!
Baby monkeys learn to walk and climb within their first few weeks of life!
Female monkeys usually have their first baby between 4–8 years of age!
Most monkey species mate throughout the year, but some only have babies during specific seasons when food is plentiful!
Twin births are rare in most monkey species, happening in less than 1% of births!
Baby monkeys start eating solid food at about 6 weeks old but continue drinking their mother’s milk for several months!
Young male monkeys usually leave their birth group when they become adults, while females often stay with their family group!
Most monkeys are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and small animals!
A monkey can spend up to 6 hours each day just looking for food!
Some monkeys, like the golden snub-nosed monkey, can digest pine needles that would make most other animals sick!
Marmosets use their special claws to dig holes in trees to get tree sap — it’s like their own natural candy!
A single spider monkey can eat up to 100 different types of food in one year!
Some monkeys store food in special cheek pouches, like having built-in grocery bags!
Leaf-eating monkeys have special bacteria in their stomachs that help them break down tough leaves!
