The Capuchin monkeys are those cute little primates that used to dance around the musician on the corner playing his organ for donations. Capuchin monkeys are highly intelligent animals that can also be trained to assist the disabled, in the same manner as a guide dog.

But these little monkeys also have fine-motor capabilities and can be trained to do more than just guide a disabled person. Capuchin monkeys have fingers-not just the paws of a guide dog. This adaptation of fingers allows them to help the disabled do things that often require human help like starting the microwave or dishwasher. They also use primitive tools such as sticks in the wild and can mimic these behaviors in captivity to help disabled humans if trained properly.

A Capuchin Monkey (One of Four Types)

Capuchin monkeys have a native habitat in the jungles and rainforests of Central and South America. In the wild they roam in Honduras, Brazil, Paraguay and Peru.

The Capuchin monkeys eat a variety of plants, as well as small birds, small mammals, insects, fruits and nuts. This diverse diet makes them omnivores.

Another Video of Capuchin Monkeys

The Capuchin monkeys have a prehensile tail which they use to hang from trees. This tail is strong enough to support their weight as they swing from tree branches.

As cute as they are, Capuchin monkeys are a big nuisance to farmers in the regions where they roam freely. They often help themselves to crops and are quite bold thieves.

The Capuchin monkeys are very social and live in groups that are dominated by one male. The dominant male is the leader of the group and may produce many offspring with the females in his harem. The female gives birth every two years.

Mother and Baby Capuchin

In their social groups these monkeys are known for being extremely vocal and noisy. It is their vocalizations that allow the Capuchin monkeys to communicate with each other.

The Capuchin monkeys are very active during the day and sleep at night. These monkeys were appropriately named for their resemblance to Old World priests and friars who wore a white collar around their necks in the 1500’s.

The greatest threat to the Capuchin monkeys is the destruction of their habitat. In the rainforest, these monkeys live thriving in the areas from the canopy to the forest floor. The life expectancy of the Capuchin monkeys is 35-40 years.

It is our human duty to be responsible members of this planet and guardians of all creatures whether great or small.