The surprising 'human' habits of monkeys

Monkeys are intelligent, social, and surprisingly complex animals. Beyond their playful image, many species display behaviours that resemble human habits, forming friendships, using tools, and even expressing emotions. From cultural traditions to problem solving skills, here are some unusual monkey behaviours that might surprise you.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Story by Aanya Mehta; The Indian Express

9/8/20261 min read

1. They Form Strong Friendships: Monkeys build long term social bonds and spend hours grooming each other. Grooming isn’t just about cleanliness, it helps reduce stress, resolve conflicts, and strengthen friendships within the group.

2. They Have Unique “Personalities”: Just like humans, monkeys show individual personality traits such as boldness, curiosity, shyness, or aggression. These personality differences influence their social rank, friendships, and survival strategies.

3. They Practice Deception: Certain monkey species are known to give false alarm calls to distract others and steal food. This strategic deception shows advanced social intelligence and an ability to manipulate group behaviour for personal gain.

4. They Show Grief and Emotion: Studies have shown that monkeys can experience emotions like sadness, anxiety, and even grief. Some mothers have been observed carrying their deceased infants for days, reflecting deep emotional attachment.

5. They Use Tools: Some monkey species, such as capuchins, use stones to crack open nuts or sticks to dig for insects. This kind of tool use demonstrates advanced problem-solving skills and an understanding of cause and effect.

6. They Wash Their Food: Japanese macaques have been observed washing sweet potatoes and other food in water before eating. This behaviour, first seen on Japan’s Koshima Island, spread socially within the group, showing that monkeys can learn and pass down habits like cultural traditions.

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