Capuchin Monkey

Capuchin monkeys are considered the most intelligent among the New World monkeys and are native to Central and South America. The name 'capuchin' is derived from the brown robes with hoods that the male members of the religious order 'Order of Friars Minor Capuchin' used to wear. These monkeys have a brown to black body color with cream or light tan coloring around the face, neck and shoulders. Their body hair is shorter and darker on the back, as compared to the other parts. They have some black hair over their head, that appears like a cap. Being intelligent, capuchin monkeys are sometimes used as service monkeys and are also raised as exotic pets.

Capuchin Monkey Information

These monkeys belong to the genus Cebus in the family Cebidae. This genus is said to have around nine species with various sub species. Cebus capucinus or the white-faced capuchin monkey is the most commonly found species. These monkeys grow to a body length of up to 60 centimeters and adult capuchins can weigh between 2 to 4 kilograms. Males are larger and heavier as compared to females, and have long tails covered with fur.

• Capuchins are found to feed on both plant and animal matter. Apart from having fruits, nuts and buds, they are also found to prey on insects, small vertebrates, spider, frogs, crabs and shellfish. They use stones to crack open the shells of crabs and shellfish.
• They spend most of their lives on trees and are territorial. Most of these monkeys are diurnal, as they are active during the day and sleep at night. Capuchin monkey habitat includes evergreen rain forests, mangroves and deciduous forests.
• Usually, these monkeys are found in groups that consist of around 10 to 35 members. Each group is found to have a definite structure with a male head (sometimes along with a female chief), other males, females and offspring.
• While female capuchins get fully mature as they reach 4-5 years of age, males take around 7-8 years. Females bear offspring once every two years and their gestation period ranges from 160-180 days. Young ones are reared exclusively by the females.
• The most common predators of capuchin monkeys are snakes, jaguars, crocodiles, cougars and coyotes. However, it has been observed that these monkeys are mostly preyed upon by Harpy eagles. In the wild, the life expectancy of these monkeys are found to between 15 to 25 years, but, they may live up to 45 years in captivity.
• As mentioned above, they are said to intelligent and this is evidenced from their behavior. They can use stone to crack nuts and crush the shells of crabs and shellfish. They make their own mosquito repellent with crushed millipedes.
• Due to their intelligence, these monkeys are often used in laboratory experiments and as service monkeys. There are some special organizations that train these monkeys to assist paralyzed people.

Capuchin Monkeys as Pets

As mentioned above, these monkeys are raised as exotic pets. You may also come across various online advertisements showing capuchin monkeys for sale. But, one of the most important points to clear, before planning to raise this monkey as a pet, is its legality as per the law of the region. In other words, ownership of primates is regulated by law and check the law of your place. Apart from that, you must have enough facilities and financial resources to keep a monkey as pet. You must take special care of their diet and other requirements. However, experts suggest to avoid raising capuchin monkeys as pets, due to different reasons. According to them, these monkeys may turn aggressive once they get mature and sexually active. They may attack humans and may also spread diseases. Even public safety can be compromised by keeping these monkeys at your place. Above all, it is against the interest of the animal too.

In short, capuchin monkeys are adorable creatures with interesting characteristics. But, if you lack enough resources for proper care of these animals, refrain from keeping them as pets. Of course, as with any animal, it is always better to leave these monkeys to spend their life in their natural habitat.