Monkeys are very intelligent animals known to understand basic arithmetic and are capable of high-level cognition. With these amazing qualities, have you ever wondered how long monkeys live?
In this article, I will tell you all about it.
Before we dive into the details, here is a summary on how long monkeys live for;
- On average monkeys can live for 10 to 50 years. This number highly depends on the species.
- Capuchin monkeys have an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years.
- In captivity, monkeys can live for 30 to 45 years.
How Long Do Monkeys Live?
Smaller monkeys have a shorter lifespan than larger ones. The exact lifespan of monkeys varies widely depending on diet, species, and predators in their area.
Below is a table summarizing the average lifespan of different monkey species:
| Monkey Species | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Lion-tailed macaque | 20 years |
| Japanese macaque | 27 years |
| Guinea baboon | 35-45 years |
| Mandrill | 20 years |
| Black howler | 15-20 years |
| Pygmy marmoset | 12 years |
| Black-mantled tamarin | 15 years |
| Capuchin | 15-25 years |
| Patas | 18-21 years |
| Spider monkey | 25-40 years |
| Squirrel monkey | 15 years |
| Gray Langur | 25 years |
| Vervet | 12-30 years |
| Rhesus macaque | 25 years |
| Olive baboon | 23-30 years |
| Proboscis | 13 years |
| Colobus | 20 years |
| Long-tailed macaque | 15-30 years |
Monkeys live longer in captivity than in the wild. In the wild, monkeys have to hunt for their own food hence are prone to harsh weather conditions and diseases.
In captivity, monkeys’ lifespan increases up to 30 years on average.
The improvement of the life expectancy in captivity is generally because they are free of predators. They also do not compete for food with other animals.
Let us have a quick look at the lifespans of a few species in detail.
How Long Do Capuchin Monkeys Live?
Capuchin monkeys can live for 15 to 25 years in the wild and up to 35 years in captivity.
Capuchin monkeys are believed to be the smartest New World monkeys. Despite their small size, capuchins have the largest brain size of any monkey! [1]
Monkeys need an environment almost similar to their natural habitat for them to thrive. In captivity, capuchin monkeys usually need surroundings where they can play around trees and have enough food.
One needs to commit to taking full responsibility for these beautiful creatures as they live for a while. As pets, they love constant attention and care.
Capuchin monkeys love a diet of fruits, bugs, nuts, and flowers. It is crucial to ensure they have a balanced diet to increase their lifespan.
How Long Do Spider Monkeys Live?
Spider monkeys have an average lifespan of 25 to 40 years.
They face many threats in the wild such as predators and deforestation. Some indigenous people usually hunt spider monkeys for food. This drastically reduces their population. Predators include jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and large snakes.
Deforestation has a huge impact on their home. Cutting down trees which are the spider monkeys’ habitat, means them losing their natural habitat. Since they feed mostly on leaves and seeds, cutting down trees causes food shortages.
Spider monkeys are important in the ecosystem as they disperse undigested seeds through manure, hence replenishing the rain forest vegetation.
Related articles: How long do lions live?
How Long Do Marmoset monkeys Live?
The Pygmy marmoset has an average lifespan of 12 years.
They have one of the shortest lifespans among monkeys. In captivity, marmoset monkeys can live for 15 to 20 years.
They are also called finger monkeys. This name comes from their size as they are so small, and can easily hang on one’s finger.
Did you know that pygmy marmosets are the smallest monkey species in the world? Their small size makes them easily fall from trees right to their death.
Marmoset monkeys are known to have age-related changes such as cancer and diabetes just like humans! This greatly impacts their life expectancy. They have shorter lifespans in the wild due to predation and diseases.
Marmosets are very social creatures and do not like being alone. To increase their lifespans, they need an environment with enough food, sunshine, and company.
How Long do Pet Monkeys Live?
Monkeys live for 20 to 40 years as pets.
Pet monkeys require constant stimulation with enough food, a playing environment, and care. Since monkeys are social creatures that thrive in groups, they need an environment where they are not alone.
To ensure a pet monkey lives longer, ensure their diet is varied as monkeys love seeds, nuts, and fruits. You can give them cooked meat once in a while. If the monkey does not get the required diet they may easily get diabetes.
It is very important to handle pet monkeys with care as they are carriers of many diseases such as Herpes. Ensure to wash your hands often and avoid holding them without any sanitary gear.
Fun Facts About Monkeys
There are around 260 different monkey species in the world.
Monkeys communicate by picking out dirt and parasites from each other’s fur. Such a simple act strengthens family and social bonds!
There is an island in Japan called Yakushima where monkeys groom and share food with deer in exchange for a ride. How interesting is that?
Did you know that monkeys that live in Africa and Asia are called ‘’Old World Monkeys’’ while those living in Central and South America are called ‘’New World Monkeys’’?
Conclusion
Monkeys thrive in the forests where they can play around trees and be around each other. This ensures they live their life to the fullest in their natural habitat. Monkeys in captivity never mature as humans do and will always need constant care and attention.
