Photo Essay: 15 Must-See Apes and Monkeys

People are fascinated by apes and monkeys, probably because they appear to be so human-like in many ways. Around the world, the variety, adaptations, and behaviors of these creatures will intrigue and fascinate any traveler. Here are 15 apes and monkeys around the globe that should be on your “must-see” list.

But before we launch into this list, it’s best to acknowledge that there is much confusion as to just exactly what is an ape versus a monkey.

APE vs. MONKEY

For starters, primates include apes and monkeys, as well as lemurs. And apes include gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees, as well as Homo (humans). On the other hand, monkeys are divided into Old World (Africa and Asia) and New World monkeys (Americas).

In other words, all monkeys are primates, but not all primates are monkeys. And chimpanzees and orangutans are primates, as well under the category of apes, but they aren’t monkeys.

So how best to tell whether you’re seeing an ape or monkey? Well, the old saying goes: when in doubt as to whether it’s an ape or monkey, check for a tail. Monkeys have tails.

Once you determine it’s a monkey, what are the differences between New World (Americas) and Old World (Africa and Asia) monkeys?

New World vs. Old World Monkey

One of the most notable differences between Old World and New World monkeys lies in their physical characteristics. Old World monkeys typically have narrow, downward-facing nostrils that are close together, while New World monkeys possess broad, outward-facing nostrils that are widely spaced.

Furthermore, Old World monkeys generally have non-prehensile tails, which may be used for balance but not for grasping, while many New World monkeys have prehensile tails that allow them to grasp branches and aid in their arboreal lifestyle. Old World monkeys tend to be larger, and New World monkeys tend to be smaller.

Behaviorally, Old World and New World monkeys exhibit distinct social structures and communication methods. Old World monkeys tend to have more complex social systems and often live in larger groups, known as troops.

Their communication includes a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and body postures. In contrast, New World monkeys often have smaller social groups and may exhibit more diverse social behaviors, including cooperative breeding and varied parental care strategies.

Old World monkeys are more likely to be omnivorous, consuming a mix of fruits, leaves, and insects. On the other hand, New World monkeys primarily eat fruits and have specific adaptations, like the ability to digest certain types of fruits that Old World monkeys cannot.

Finally, the habitats of these two groups also differ significantly. Old World monkeys adapt to a range of environments from savannahs to forests and are often more terrestrial, spending considerable time on the ground. New World monkeys are predominantly arboreal, thriving in the trees of tropical rainforests where they have evolved to navigate the canopy effectively.

THE AMERICAS

The only apes seen in the Americas are Homo (humans). However, there are plenty of New World monkeys in the lush rainforests and cloud forests of Central and South America. With more than 150 species in the Americas, you are bound to have many encounters.

Squirrel Monkey (Irresistibly cute)

Squirrel monkeys are known as the arboreal “goats of the jungle.” This omnivore has a diet primarily of flowers, fruit, leaves, nuts, seeds, insects, spiders, and lizards. Just about anything. They are most active during the late afternoon.

A sociable monkey that is diurnal, they live in the canopy in large groups of sometimes up to 500 individuals. Within these groups are female-dominated troops of 45-75 monkeys. They are known to be aggressive during mating.

The squirrel monkey became famous when back in 1959, the United States launched the first of two animals into space and recovered them alive. One of them was a squirrel monkey born in Iquitos, Peru. Known as Miss Baker, she was born in 1957 and died on November 29, 1984.

Spider Monkey (Agile climbers and extremely intelligent)

The spider monkey is yet another incredible species that deserves attention. With their long limbs and prehensile tails, spider monkeys are agile climbers, often seen swinging gracefully through the treetops. Their social structure is matriarchal, with females leading the group. This unique dynamic offers insight into the diversity of primate societies.

They are agile climbers with a tail that acts like a fifth limb, and they possess a bigger brain than all other monkeys, making them the most intelligent primate in the region.

However, they are territorial and have large canine teeth to protect their turf. Some images even suggest that the monkey can give the “evil” eye to those that don’t respect its territory.

Night Monkey (Only true nocturnal New World Monkey)

The Night Monkey is the only true nocturnal New World Monkey. Also known as the Owl monkey, they have monochromatic vision which helps them with contrast to differentiate visual cues at night. Their big brown eyes allow for more light, so it’s easier for them to see in the dark.

With round heads, large eyes, and furry bodies, these adorably affectionate monkeys live in lowland forests and dense tropical rainforests. A total of 11 species can be found across Panama and much of South America.

Arboreal, they spend their life in tropical trees searching for their diet of flowers, insects, nectar, leaves, moths, beetles, spiders, and large orthopterans. Living in small family groups, they are very territorial, defending their territory using threatening and aggressive behaviors. The male and female are similar in size, and they’re monogamous for life. These tiny tropical tree-dwellers are also known to be very affectionate with their mates.

Capuchin Monkey (Intelligent and adaptable)

One of the most striking New World monkeys is the Capuchin. Named for the cap on its head that resembles the cowl of Capuchin monks, they range from Central America to as far south as northern Argentina.

They are known for their intelligence and social behavior, and they have been observed using tools, such as stones to crack open nuts. They are the most adaptable of all the New World monkeys.

Living in troops made up of 8-14 members containing more females than males, they are diurnal, arboreal, and territorial, yet sociable. But they are also known to be aggressive.

Their omnivorous diet is varied and opportunistic: leaves, flowers, fruits, nuts, seeds, pitch, woody tissue, sugarcane, frogs, reptiles, birds, insects, bats, and even other primates. Because their diet is varied, they are extreme foragers because they gain sustenance from a wide collection of unlikely food. This adds to their adaptability and resilience.

Their relatively long lifespan of 45 years also makes them attractive as pets. These monkeys are most associated with organ grinders, and due to their intelligence, you may have seen them in films like Night at the Museum, Outbreak, Monkey Shines, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Zookeeper, George of the Jungle, and The Hangover Part II, as well as the TV show Friends.

Howler Monkey (Some of the largest monkeys in the New World)

Another captivating species is the howler monkey, famous for its distinctive vocalizations. After all, this is how they got their name. They come in red, brown, and gray, with the Red Howler as the biggest of this monkey family. As the most widespread primate in the Neotropics, they are slow-moving and the only folivores (leaf eaters) of New World monkeys.

Often found in groups, their calls can be heard up to three miles away. Their dawn chorus of loud, repetitive booms is performed mostly by males and is an important part of their social behavior. Howling is thought to relate to intergroup space and territory encroachment, as well as possible protection in mating.

Howler monkeys play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain forest diversity. An encounter with a howler monkey in its natural habitat reveals the beauty of its communication and the significance of its ecological role. Their haunting calls echo through the trees, making them a must-see for any nature lover.

Tamarin Monkey (Squirrel-sized monkeys)

These squirrel-sized, small primates are known for their high-pitched calls and social behaviors. Living in tropical rainforests of Central and South America in close-knit family groups consisting of a dominant breeding pair and their offspring, they’re also known for their distinctive physical features. These can include long tails and facial fur, often resembling a mustache or beard.

Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are also known for their unique reproductive strategy. Twins are usually born to Tamarins, so both parents, along with older siblings, help with caring for the young. This unique cooperation enhances survival of the offspring in the wild.

Photographed at top, the Golden Lion Tamarin, an endangered species, is also known as the golden marmoset. They are very sociable and friendly animals, huddling and playing together. (Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.)

Woolly Monkey (Known for their thick fur)

Closely related to Spider Monkeys, the Woolly Monkey lives in the rainforests of South America, in large social groups. Their ideal habitat is humid and mature tropical forests.

With colorations from brown, red, and gray with black, hairless faces, they are known for their thick fur and strong social bonds. Expect to find them grooming each other, which strengthens their relationships. However, the female woolly can be very possessive and will attempt to harass other females trying to approach their partners.

Main predators are humans, who hunt them for food and the illegal pet trade. They are also hunted by eagles and large cats such as the jaguars. And they have a loud scream.

AFRICA

De Brazzas Monkey (Unique appearance)

This primate, native to the wetlands of Central Africa, possesses distinct features that set it apart from other species. The facial appearance is striking, with a white mustache and beard that contrast sharply with its dark face, giving it a wise and expressive look. This facial hair is not just for show; it plays a role in communication among the monkeys.

They live in small groups, usually consisting of a few adults and their offspring. A clear hierarchy is established, which reduces conflicts and promotes cooperation. For example, when a predator approaches, the dominant monkey will usually sound an alarm call, alerting the others to danger. This collective behavior not only protects the group but also strengthens social bonds.

Their diet includes fruits, leaves, and flowers, demonstrating their ability to use a variety of resources.

Olive Baboon (Distinctive olive-colored coat)

The olive baboon is a fascinating primate species native to various regions in Africa, particularly in savannas, woodlands, and mountainous areas. Characterized by its distinctive olive-colored fur, this baboon is one of the largest members of the baboon family. Adult males can weight up to 50 pounds and possess long, powerful limbs.

They are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. This flexibility in diet allows them to thrive in various environments from grasslands to rocky hills.

Lemur (Only live in Madagascar) 

There are about 100 species of lemurs, but they all live in Madagascar off the coast of the African continent. About 2,000 years ago, the early lemurs were sometimes the size of a gorilla. Now, there is quite a variety, but the larger ones became extinct many years ago.

With their large expressive eyes, lemurs possess excellent night vision, allowing them to forage for food after dark. These unique primates display a remarkable range of characteristics that highlight their adaptability and social behavior.

Their strong sense of smell allows them to locate food and smell danger when predators are around. Because of this, they communicate with scents as well as vocalizations, rather than visual signals.

Most are herbivorous, but diets vary based on size and different lemur species. For example, smaller lemurs feed on fruits, insects, or sap. In contrast, the larger lemurs feed on plant material like bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, nectar, and shoots.

A couple of interesting notes about lemurs are that they sleep up to 16 hours a day, waking only to feed and socialize with each other. Finally, a group of lemurs is called a “conspiracy.”

Chimpanzee (Most closely related to humans) 

Chimpanzees possess a unique blend of intelligence, social structure, emotional depth, and communication skills, making them one of the most intriguing species in the animal kingdom. Closely related to humans, they display a variety of traits that highlight their complexity and adaptability in the wild.

One notable characteristic is their intelligence. Research shows that they possess problem-solving skills and can use tools, such as sticks to extract termites from mounds. This ability reflects their cognitive abilities, which are similar to those of early humans.

Chimpanzees also exhibit a wide range of emotions, such as joy, sadness, and even empathy. Socially outgoing, they are more extraverted than either gorillas or orangutans.

Primarily vegetarians, chimps eat a wide range of food items from fruits, berries, leaves, and seeds to bird eggs, insects, and sometimes carrion.

Gorilla (Largest primate on earth) 

Gorillas embody both strength and vulnerability. All species of gorilla are listed as endangered or critically endangered. They inhabit dense forests, primarily in the rainforests of central Africa, covering a wide range of elevations. Next to chimpanzees, gorillas are the closest living relatives to humans. About 95-99% of their DNA is highly similar to man.

They are herbivores, enjoying fruits, leaves, and stems. Sometimes, their diets are supplemented with larvae, snails, ants, and even rotting wood. They are known to eat all day.

As ground-dwelling great apes and unlike chimpanzees or orangutans, gorillas prefer to sleep in ground nests. They can sleep an average of 12 hours per day.

ASIA 

Langur Monkey (Extremely adaptable)

Known for their long tails and slender bodies, these monkeys are terrestrial and inhabit forests, as well as lightly wooded areas. Gray langurs are mostly within India, with all seven species having at least part of their range in this country. They are extremely adaptable.

Primarily herbivores, they eat coniferous needles and cones, fruits and fruit buds, leaves, seeds, grass, bamboo, mosses, and lichens. An interesting fact is that they get most of their water intake from moisture in their food. Langurs are considered sacred in the Hindu religion.

Macaques (Known as the “language monkey”) 

Sometimes referred to as the “language monkey,” Macaques are known for their complex social systems, which can mirror those of humans. Their social behavior and vocalizations exhibit complex social structures, often communicating through a combination of vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions. They can mimic sounds and gestures. As a result, some researchers consider this as a rudimentary form of language.

Macaques are found in various environments across Asia from urban areas to forests, especially the rhesus macaque and long-tailed macaque. They live in groups called troops, where social interactions play a crucial role. Each troop has a hierarchy with dominant individuals leading the group.

Orangutan (Possess cognitive skills comparable to gorilla and chimpanzee) 

These intelligent primates possess cognitive abilities on par with the gorilla and chimpanzee, the only primates more closely related to humans. They are known for their social behavior and problem-solving skills, and they are crucial for maintaining the health of tropical forests.

Though not as powerful or strong as the gorilla, they are larger than the chimpanzee. And their beautiful reddish orange is a stand-out.

In contrast to gorillas, who prefer spending most of their time on the ground, orangutans are the largest arboreal great ape, spending 90 percent of their waking hours in trees. They are also known to be adept escape artists in zoos. Zookeepers know that if a habitat can keep an orangutan inside, it will keep any other great apes inside.

How Best to See Apes and Monkeys

As always, my answer is with a local guide. When in the jungle, they know the habitats best and guides have inside knowledge on recent sightings. Plus, they can tell you all kinds of information about primate behaviors, what they eat, how they socialize, where they nest, and whether they are rare. Plus, they will keep you safe.

But the truth of the matter is that sightings in the wild can sometimes be difficult due to weather, seasons, and breeding. And unless you have a telephoto lens, it may be difficult to capture good images, especially of arboreal species that stay high up in the trees.

Don’t overlook visiting rescue or rehab centers, game reserves, or even local zoos. It’s true that these viewings are more controlled, but you will get closer and be able to learn much about the different species.