Fun Capuchin Monkey Facts For Kids

If someone asks you about your favorite, most intelligent wild animal, then what is the name that pops up first in your mind? Well, for most of you, the answer will be a monkey. These monkey breeds are intelligent, funny, and smart, and so are capuchin monkeys. Capuchin Monkeys (Genus: Capuchin Monkey Cebus) are wise but lazy monkeys found in the forests of Central and South America. There are some other breeds of capuchins under the same species such as Panamanian white faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) and Colombian white faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus). Capuchins enjoy a long life span as they can survive for up to 25 years in the wild and up to 35 years in captivity. Fruit and nuts form the primary diet for capuchins along with some other small animals.

Capuchins are regarded as the smartest new world monkey. A capuchin monkey is not just an ordinary species. These types of monkeys are super smart and unique, full of amazing facts. So, without wasting any time, let's begin understanding more about this small monkey breed. After you are done reading about this primate, move on to check out our other articles on Patas monkey and Titi monkey.
 

What type of animal is a capuchin monkey?

A capuchin (Genus: Capuchin Monkey Cebus) is a member of the monkey family. These cute monkeys are said to be highly intelligent and socially smart species. Capuchins can survive in the wild as well as in captivity. Their preferred habitat is forest area where fruit and nuts are available for its diet.

What class of animal does a capuchin monkey belong to?

A capuchin monkey is a mammal. Capuchins are social animals as they like to live in groups of up to 35 other capuchin monkeys. This primate gives birth to their young ones and are extremely protective of their infants.

How many capuchin monkeys are there in the world?

There are many types of capuchins who thrive in the wild, and one of them which is the blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) is critically endangered as there are only 180 of the mature ones left. However, the species is not extinct.

Where does a capuchin monkey live?

The capuchin monkeys reside in the tropical forests and lowlands of Central and South America. They are generally found in countries like the Caribbean, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina.

What is a capuchin monkey's habitat?

Capuchin monkeys live on the branches of trees. They spend most of their daytime sleeping on the tree branches, and that's why they are also said to be lazy monkeys.

Who do capuchin monkeys live with?

Capuchin monkeys live in troops or groups. There can be 10-35 capuchins in a group.

How long does a capuchin monkey live?

The average lifespan of a capuchin monkey in the wild ranges between 15-25 years. Though, in captivity, the average age of capuchins can extend up to 35 years.

How do they reproduce?

Capuchin monkeys reproduce by sexual mode of reproduction. A female capuchin monkey can mate with males throughout the year, but they go through the gestation period only once in two years. Their gestation period is 152-183 days, and in one gestation period, they give birth to only one baby, a capuchin infant, that looks like a really tiny monkey.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of capuchin monkeys, in general, is 'Least Concern'. Some of the species of capuchin monkeys, such as the blonde capuchin, are endangered but not extinct.

Do you know that capuchin monkeys wash their hands with their pee? Sounds weird, right? Capuchin monkeys are well known for their strange habits, and their such habits make it more interesting to know more about them. So, let's have a look at some more interesting facts about capuchins.

What do capuchin monkeys look like?

Capuchins have a very cute appearance. The body colors of these monkeys can be black, brown, whitish, buff, or a combination of any of these. Generally, these monkeys are dark brown and cream in color. They can be 14-18 in tall and have tails that are almost as long as their body.

How cute are they?

Capuchin monkeys are indeed very cute. These monkeys are one of the cutest species of monkeys. They are well known for their lazy and humorous behavior.

How do they communicate?

In order to communicate, capuchin monkeys create various sounds, and these sounds are easily audible.

How big is a capuchin monkey?

Capuchin monkeys are medium-sized monkeys, and they are almost two times bigger than the common marmoset.

How fast can a capuchin monkey run?

Capuchin monkeys can run at a speed of 35 miles per hour.

How much does a capuchin monkey weigh?

A capuchin monkey's average weight range is 6.6-8.8 lb.

What are their male and female names of the species?

A male capuchin monkey will be called a male capuchin monkey and a female capuchin will be called a  female capuchin monkey.

What would you call a baby capuchin monkey?

A baby monkey can be called a baby monkey or infant monkey.

What do they eat?

Capuchin monkeys are omnivores, and they usually eat fruit, nuts, leaves, and insects. They also prey on small animals when hungry.

Are they loud?

Yes, capuchins are noisy, and they can be loud sometimes.

Would they make a good pet?

No, capuchin monkeys are not very fond of a closed home or an apartment. Although these monkeys are very social and friendly, living in such conditions can make them upset and aggressive. Also, if they are kept as pets, then there is a fair chance that these monkeys suffer from major health problems because they need a special diet and if they do not get an appropriate diet, then they are most likely to suffer from various health problems.   If you are well-experienced to keep a pet monkey, then it’ll definitely make a good pet.

Did you know...

Capuchin monkeys are polygamous, which means that their sexual mating is not restricted to one single partner. A female capuchin monkey can mate with males throughout the year, but they go through the gestation period only once in two years. Their gestation period is 152-183 days, and in one gestation period, they give birth to only one baby capuchin monkey.

Can I buy a capuchin monkey?

Yes, in some areas it is completely legal to buy a capuchin monkey. Before buying a capuchin monkey it is advised that you make sure whether buying a capuchin monkey is legal in your state or not. A capuchin monkey can cost around $5000-$7000. Being exotic pets, buying capuchin monkeys is a costly affair, and not everyone can afford to keep them as a pet.

Why do capuchin monkeys stick their tongues out?

A monkey sticking out its tongue can have different meanings. Sometimes they are just trying to imitate someone. Sometimes they are trying to show their cooperation and affection. There is no accurate and strong reason behind this behavior. Monkeys usually do many funny things, and sticking their tongues out can be one of those little funny things they do.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including spider monkey, or macaque monkey.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Capuchin monkey coloring pages.