Capuchin monkey

Medium-sized New World monkeys with four subspecies, currently none are threatened. C. capucinus - the white faced capuchin is native to Central America and the other capuchin species C. apella – black-capped, brown or tufted capuchins, C. albifrons –cinnamon, white-fronted, or brown pale-fronted capuchins, C. olivaceus (nigrivittatus) - weeping or wedge-capped capuchins are native to South America, ranging throughout the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin and into the Andes. The family Cebidae also contains the squirrel monkeys, and spider monkeys.

CCapuchin monkeys have a robust and compact body with limbs proportionate to their body size. They have a prehensile tail capable of supporting their whole weight and hands with opposable thumbs that give them great dexterity when foraging for food. Both male and female capuchins urinate on their hands and then rub the soles of their feet and then rub their fur. This behavior allows them to mark their trails through the forest canopy and probably acts as a territorial marker. Like most other very social primates, play and mutual grooming is important. The groups of 10 - 12 are all led by a dominant male but females will usually mate with any male in the group. Mating is primarily a result of female choice and not of intense male-male competition. A female will give birth approximately once every two years with a gestation period of about 160 days. Females and males reach sexual maturity at 4 - 5 years of age and males reach physical maturity at 6 - 7 years and are generally larger than the females. At maturity, the young males leave their natal groups. Lifespan is 35 - 45 years.

Vocal signals are a major means of communication when the troop is spread over a wide area while foraging for fruits, berries, seeds, vegetation, insects and small mammals. When sources of fruit become scarce, many species of Cebus will increase the number of insects in their diet. Brown capuchins, however, have extremely powerful jaws and tend to specialize on tough palm nuts that the other Cebines can't open.

We have Lucy (right), a female white faced capuchin and a brown capuchin pair, Belle and Kiko. These monkeys have been confiscated so very little is known about them. We understand Belle (above right) is the youngest, was hand raised, and is about 3 years old. She and Lucy get along well. Kiko (top) is a little rambunctious and is housed separately at the moment.