Frequently Asked Questions about Monkeys

How many species of monkeys are there?
There are over 200 species of primates, including humans, monkeys, and apes.

There are 200 species of monkeys. Monkeys are divided into two groups: Old World Monkeys and New World Monkeys. These groups are distinguished by where they live and by certain physical characteristics. Looking at a monkey's nostrils is one good way to know if it is Old World or New World Apes. New World Monkeys have nostrils that are far apart and Old World Monkeys have nostrils that are close together.Gorillas, and chimps are not monkeys, they are primates

How big is a gorilla and what do they like to do?

Gorillas are the largest living primates. A mature male gorilla can weigh 300 to 500 pounds and is as strong as 4 to 8 men put together. The good news is that they are peaceful creatures and only attack when they are attacked themselves. So, if you are nice, you'll have one huge friend! Did you know gorillas are ticklish? Kid gorillas like to play tag, follow the leader, king of the hill, and ball games. Gorillas can even learn sign language.

Do chimpanzees love each other?

Monkeys are social creatures, always living in groups with other monkeys. Some species live with parents and kids together, like we do, while others live in packs of up to 100 monkeys. Chimpanzees comfort each other by kissing and hugging. Chimpanzees groom each other for hours. Monkey grooming is about so much more than just a good hair day. When Chimpanzees groom each other, they are also nourishing friendships, comforting each other, and patching up disagreements. They must love each other!

Are chimps and people the same?
Did you know that a chimp is more closely related to you than it is to a gorilla, a monkey, or an orangutan? That's right, humans and chimps share 1.4% of their DNA!

Can I have a monkey as a pet?
Monkeys don't make good house pets. Sure they are cute and easy to handle when they are babies but after a few years, chimps grow to 150 pounds and they are as strong as a human. Then, they have to be kept in cages at all times. Better to stick with a cat or a dog.

If you decide you do want to own a monkey as a pet, you'd better be ready to shell out the big bucks. They can cost between $2,500 and $5,000 to buy and over $165,000 for their lifetime supply of food, veterinary visits, and toys.

Where do orangutans live in a house?
Orangutan is Malaysian for "man of the forest". Orangutans like to stay cool and dry. They shelter themselves from rain and sun by holding leafy branches over their heads, and when constructing a night nest in the trees, will sometimes add a leafy roof.

What do you call it when a monkey swings from tree to tree?
"Brachiating" is the word for the way monkeys swing, arm over arm, to travel from tree branch to tree branch. Next time you got to the playground, you can play on the brachiating bars!

New species of primates are being
discovered in our lifetime.

One of my goals is to educate and create monkey and animal preservation awareness through the power of World Wide Monkey."

Web sites to explore about monkeys and primates

Thanks to Dennis O'Neil who is helping us stay informed check out his web site.Primates are truly gifts of nature This web site shows The Taxonomy and General Characteristics of Prosimians, Monkeys, Apes, and Humans

Looking for more info on monkeys and primates try Conservation International, search for monkeys and primates

The Monkey Man says:
"Thanks for visiting our site"