72 Interesting Facts About Monkeys

Last updated on May 3rd, 2023

60. Japanese Macaques have learned to love the hot tub. These extremely versatile monkeys that can even thrive in cold climates will often seek out local volcanic hot springs where they will spend extensive time lounging in the hot water.

61. The most recently discovered monkey is the Popa langur. Named after its home on Mount Popa, it was discovered in the remote forests of Myanmar. According to some estimates, only 200 to 260 of these are left. Known for its spectacle-like eye patches and greyish-coloured fur, it is classified as “critically endangered.”

62. The monkey is considered to be a symbol of mischief and disorder in many cultures. This could be in part because the intelligence and ability to grip items or tools could allow monkeys to be more mischievous to people than many other animals.

63. The fastest monkeys in the world are the Patas monkeys. They can run an amazing 35 miles per hour which is faster than the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt’s best time, and make Patas as fast as your average race horse. They can go from 0 to 33 mph in just 3 seconds, which is useful for evading African predators.

Patas monkey
Monkey facts: the Patas monkey. Photo © Photoquest

64. Patas also self-segregate based on sex. This means every troop of Pata monkeys are either all male or all female with integration only occurring during mating.

65. In Chinese culture, the monkey is seen as a clever creature that is skilled at problem-solving. The monkey is one of the symbols of the Chinese Zodiac.

66. Titi monkeys are one of the few sub-species of monkeys that mate for life. These monkeys are found in South Africa and once they find a mate they even show affection to one another through holding hands, cuddling, and intertwining tails with one another.

Two three-striped night monkeys
Two three-striped night monkeys. Facts about monkeys. Photo © Iuliia Morozova

67. Owl monkeys have unusually strong eyes that allow them to see clearly in the dark. They also have the very unique ability to communicate with each other using scent.

68. Half of the monkey species in the world are considered at least threatened if not outright rare. 24 of these species are critically endangered while 130 species are threatened at some level. This monkey fact is a little disappointing.

69. There are actually multiple styles of monkey Kung Fu developed in the Chinese martial arts. Each of these use different observed movements of monkeys or apes as part of the martial fighting system.

70. Monkeys are a popular food source in some parts of the world, such as Africa and Asia. Some ways of preparing them can even be considered a delicacy, though those are only in very local or regional areas.

71. Monkeys are also used in research laboratories for testing purposes, which has caused controversy among animal rights activists. The reason for this is the relatively close relation to humans meaning results found on laboratory testing on monkeys are more likely to relate to people than discoveries on completely unrelated animals.

72. Monkeys are also kept as pets in some parts of the world, although this is generally not recommended due to their wild nature.