Monkeys have always captured the imagination of people across the world. Their curious behaviors, intelligence, and similarities to humans make them some of the most intriguing animals in the wild. Whether they are swinging from trees, making funny faces, or demonstrating problem-solving abilities, there’s much more to monkeys than what we often see. If you think you know everything about monkeys, you might be surprised! Here are 10 fascinating and lesser-known facts about monkeys that will change the way you see them.
1. Monkeys Can Use Tools
When we think of animals using tools, the first to come to mind are typically chimpanzees or even birds like crows. However, many monkey species also know how to use tools! For example, capuchin monkeys are famous for their tool-using abilities. They have been observed using stones to crack open hard nuts or break shells to access food. Not only do they use tools, but they even select the right tool for the job, choosing rocks with just the right shape and size.
Capuchins also use sticks to dig up insects or extract honey from trees. These clever monkeys sometimes dip their hands in water to drink or use leaves to soak up water when it’s hard to reach. It’s clear that their brains are wired for problem-solving, making them some of the smartest monkeys in the world.
2. They Have Their Own “Languages”
Monkeys can’t speak like humans, but they have developed incredibly complex ways of communicating with one another. Take the vervet monkey, for example. Vervets have different alarm calls depending on the type of predator approaching. If they spot an eagle in the sky, they’ll make one type of call. If they see a snake, they’ll use a different sound, and if a leopard is nearby, there’s yet another unique call.
This precise communication allows the group to react in the safest way possible. For example, upon hearing the snake alarm, vervet monkeys will stand on their hind legs and scan the ground. If it’s the leopard alarm, they’ll run into the trees to escape. These communication skills help them stay safe in the wild and show just how smart they are.
3. Some Monkeys Have a “Fifth Hand” – Their Tails
Monkeys that live in the Americas, known as New World monkeys, have something special that sets them apart from their Old World cousins in Africa and Asia: a prehensile tail. This means their tails are strong and flexible enough to grasp objects, much like another hand.
Spider monkeys are a prime example of this. They use their long, powerful tails to wrap around tree branches while foraging for food. It allows them to hang securely from a branch while using their hands to pick fruit or search for insects. Their tails are so flexible that they can even pick up small objects with them! This adaptation is especially useful for monkeys living in the dense forests of Central and South America.
4. Grooming Isn’t Just for Cleanliness—It’s for Social Bonding
If you’ve ever seen a group of monkeys sitting around and picking through each other’s fur, it’s easy to assume they’re just cleaning themselves. While grooming does help keep monkeys clean by removing dirt and parasites, it’s about much more than hygiene. Grooming is one of the main ways that monkeys bond with each other.
For monkeys, grooming strengthens relationships within the group. It’s a way to build trust, reduce stress, and even resolve conflicts. In some species, grooming can even be used as a form of “currency.” Monkeys sometimes groom others in exchange for support during arguments or to gain favor with higher-ranking members of the group. This makes grooming a key part of their social lives.
5. Monkeys Can Recognize Themselves in Mirrors
Self-awareness is a trait often associated with humans and some of the great apes, but monkeys also show signs of this remarkable ability. Rhesus macaques, for example, have been shown to recognize their own reflections in mirrors. This may seem simple, but it’s actually a sign of advanced cognitive development.
When tested, some monkeys recognize that the image in the mirror is themselves, rather than another monkey. They use the reflection to inspect parts of their bodies that they wouldn’t normally be able to see. This ability, known as “mirror self-recognition,” is rare in the animal kingdom and highlights the intelligence of these fascinating creatures.
6. Monkeys Play “Doctor” and Use Natural Remedies
Monkeys don’t have access to hospitals or doctors, but they’ve developed their own ways of taking care of minor health issues. In some species, monkeys have been observed using natural materials from their environment to treat wounds or ward off parasites. For instance, capuchin monkeys have been seen rubbing certain plants or even insects on their skin. It’s believed that this behavior could help repel bugs or soothe skin irritations.
In one study, monkeys were observed using millipedes to rub on their bodies. These millipedes release chemicals that act as natural insect repellents, protecting the monkeys from mosquito bites. This behavior shows how monkeys can use their surroundings to stay healthy, much like how early humans used plants and herbs as medicine.
7. Monkeys Have Long Childhoods
For monkeys, childhood is an important time to learn essential survival skills. Unlike many animals that are ready to fend for themselves shortly after birth, monkeys have a much longer period of development, similar to humans. Baby monkeys, known as infants, rely on their mothers and other group members for protection, food, and guidance for several years.
During this time, young monkeys learn to forage for food, develop social skills, and even practice using tools. Play is an important part of their childhood, as it helps them develop the skills they’ll need as adults. For example, young monkeys play by chasing each other or wrestling, which helps them practice movements they’ll use later in life to escape predators or assert dominance within the group.
8. Monkeys Have Unique Fingerprints—Just Like Humans
One of the most surprising things about monkeys is that some species have unique fingerprints, much like humans. These fingerprints serve an important purpose. In species like the spider monkey, having ridged skin on their fingertips helps them grip tree branches more securely. This is essential for climbing and moving through dense forests without falling.
Fingerprints also help monkeys hold onto food and other objects with precision. Each monkey’s fingerprint is unique, just like ours, which highlights the many ways in which monkeys and humans are alike.
9. There Are Over 260 Species of Monkeys in the World
Monkeys are incredibly diverse creatures, with over 260 different species spread across the globe. They can be divided into two main groups: New World monkeys, which are found in the Americas, and Old World monkeys, which live in Africa and Asia. These two groups are separated not just by geography, but also by differences in their anatomy and behavior.
New World monkeys, like capuchins and howler monkeys, often have prehensile tails and live mostly in trees. Old World monkeys, like baboons and macaques, usually have more ground-based lifestyles and lack prehensile tails. The diversity among monkeys is astounding, with each species uniquely adapted to its environment.
10. Monkeys Can Learn to Count and Understand Basic Math
Monkeys are smarter than you might think, especially when it comes to numbers. In various studies, rhesus macaques have demonstrated the ability to recognize numbers and even count in sequence. While they don’t perform complex math problems like humans, their understanding of basic numerical concepts shows a surprising level of intelligence.
These skills aren’t just seen in laboratory settings—wild monkeys also use their intelligence to solve everyday problems, such as figuring out how to open tricky fruits or working together to achieve a common goal. This ability to understand and solve problems is a key reason why monkeys are considered some of the most intelligent animals on the planet.
Conclusion
Monkeys are remarkable creatures, with intelligence, behaviors, and abilities that rival those of many other animals. From their tool-using skills to their complex social lives, monkeys continually surprise and fascinate us. The next time you spot a monkey in the wild, on TV, or at the zoo, remember these incredible facts that show just how amazing these animals truly are.
Whether they’re using tools, recognizing their own reflections, or even playing “doctor,” it’s clear that there’s much more to monkeys than just swinging through trees. They are some of the most intelligent, adaptable, and socially complex animals in the world, and they deserve our admiration and respect.