Monkeys

Monkeys and apes are not the same - they are both primates but differ in several ways. Monkeys typically have tails, are smaller, and are more arboreal, using their tails for balance, while apes do not have tails, are larger in size and have a more upright posture. Apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and humans, are highly intelligent and often exhibit advanced cognitive abilities. Socially, monkeys live in larger groups, whereas apes tend to form smaller, close-knit units such as gorillas or are solitary like orangutans. 

Apes belong to the Hominidae family, including both lesser and great apes. Monkeys are classified into Old World and New World groups. Old-world monkeys are found in Asia and Africa and have downward-facing nostrils and non-grasping tails, whereas new-world monkeys are found in the Americas, have flat noses and are more arboreal. 

Many species of monkeys are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal pet trade, and other human activities. Some endangered monkey species you may encounter on our projects include:

• Central American Squirrel Monkey - Endangered
• Yellow-Tailed Woolly Monkey - Critically Endangered
• Red-Shanked Douc Langur - Critically Endangered
• Proboscis Monkey - Endangered

Other species you may encounter, such as chacma baboons or vervet monkeys, while classified as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List, their population are decreasing, and many arrive at sanctuaries in droves after experiencing horrific injuries or becoming orphaned due to human-wildlife conflict, which is rife in their resident countries.

By volunteering with monkeys, you can have a real impact, helping to halt certain species slide towards extinction and safeguarding others from becoming more at risk.

Monkeys face a range of threats, many of which are driven by human activities. Some of the most significant include:

• Habitat Destruction: Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development is the biggest threat. This reduces the natural habitat that monkeys rely on for food, shelter, and migration, particularly in tropical regions like the Amazon, Southeast Asia, and Central Africa.
• Hunting and Poaching: Monkeys are often hunted for bushmeat, especially in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. Some species are also poached for the illegal pet trade or for their body parts, which are used in traditional medicine or sold as exotic souvenirs.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: Many species of monkeys are captured and sold illegally as pets or for entertainment purposes. This is a particular problem for smaller and more exotic species, such as marmosets, capuchins, and tamarins.
• Disease Transmission: Human-monkey interactions, particularly in areas where monkeys are kept as pets or are involved in tourism, increase the risk of disease transmission between species. Diseases like Ebola, herpes B virus, and yellow fever can be transmitted to or from humans.
• Climate Change: Changes in climate are affecting the availability of food and water resources for monkeys. Some species are more sensitive to temperature changes and shifts in their ecosystems, which can impact their reproductive success and survival.
• Conflict with Humans: In areas where humans and monkeys live in close proximity, conflicts can arise. Monkeys might raid crops or enter urban areas searching for food, leading to retaliatory killings or efforts to control their populations through harmful means.
• Invasive Species: In some regions, non-native species introduced by humans can outcompete local monkey populations for resources or spread diseases.

There are a few routes into working with monkeys, from studying and choosing a career path in biology, zoology, or environmental sciences to becoming a wildlife veterinarian or working in zoos and sanctuaries.

Volunteering with monkeys on a conservation project abroad is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, make connections, and help protect monkeys in their natural habitats.

From working in multispecies sanctuaries helping rehabilitate rescued monkeys, such as the Bolivia Wildlife Sanctuary or Laos Wildlife Sanctuary, to monitoring monkeys in the wild on projects like Amazon Conservation Project Peru and Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release in Costa Rica, The Great Projects has several incredible options to experience working with monkeys across the world.