Capuchin monkeys got their name from the Franciscan Capuchin whose cowl is similar to the colouration of the monkeys. The Capuchin monkey belongs to the Cebinae family and Cebus genus. Wild versions of these monkeys are found in Central and South America. Also known as Sapajou, they are considered to be the most intelligent of all species of monkeys.
The face, neck and chest of Capuchins are white in colour and the rest of the body is either brown or black. A full grown Capuchin can range from twelve to twenty-two inches in height. These monkeys have hairy tails which are usually the same length as their body. Their average weight is two pounds, although the males usually weigh more than the females. When they live in captivity, they can live up to forty-five years, but in the wild they only live for fifteen to twenty-five years. They stay awake during the day, except for a midday nap, and sleep at night. During the day, they spend most of their time searching for food. At night they sleep on the branches of trees.
Capuchins are social animals and live in groups ranging from eight to forty animals. These groups consist of a mixture of males, females and youngsters. The areas where groups live are marked with urine and smell terrible. Intruders are not welcomed. A strong male controls the whole group and mates with all the females in the group to produce offspring. Male and female Capuchins smell each other to know whether the other is sexually mature or not. A female Capuchin monkey is capable of reproducing every two years. A female's pregnancy lasts from five to six months.
When they are small, the offspring cling to the chest of the mother and when they grow bigger, they switch to the mother’s back. Baby Capuchins rely on their mothers to look after them until they are three months old. Male Capuchins are not involved in raising their young.
The whole group enjoys grooming, both themselves and each other. They also use grooming as a means of expressing their feelings. Capuchins tear millipedes to pieces and then rub the pieces on their body to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Capuchins are very intelligent animals which on occasion use tools to assist them in their daily life. They drink the juice of palm nuts from the tip and then let them dry. After the palm nuts dry, they will gather them and break them open with a rock and then eat the contents. They have the ability to walk upright on their hind feet and carry food and tools in their front feet. In this endeavour, they look like little people walking on their feet and carrying things in their hands. As well as finding fruit and nuts in trees, they are also clever enough to find food on the ground. Unlike other monkeys, Capuchin monkeys are omnivorous. As well as eating food like flowers, seeds, nuts and fruits, they also eat bird's eggs, small birds, insects, reptiles, bats and even small mammals. Capuchins who live near water also feed on crabs and other shellfish, which they crack open using stones.
Capuchins aren’t fussy about their surroundings, so it is easy to have them as pets. As well as making Capuchins into pets, they are also used as organ grinders and service animals. They have also been trained by many service organizations to help quadriplegics around the house. After they are trained, they can open bottles, microwave food and even wash the face of the patient. They are also safe around children as they are very gentle animals. They can also be taught tricks and some have even starred in movies.
As Capuchins reach sexual maturity they can become troublesome. If you decide to get one as a pet, keep this in mind and also consider neutering the animal before it reaches maturity. Because Capuchins are wild animals, many jurisdictions have regulations about keeping them. Before considering them for a pet, check with local authorities to ascertain what rules apply to your area. You may also find that taking them on holidays with you could be a problem because some of the jurisdictions you pass through or stop in may have restrictions against possessing these animals.
Until next time,
Teia
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