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Woolly monkey facts for kids

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Woolly monkeys
Brown Woolly Monkey 057.jpg
Brown woolly monkey
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Atelidae
Genus:
Lagothrix

Geoffroy, 1812

Woolly monkeys are fascinating New World monkeys known for their thick, soft coats. They get their name from this woolly fur! You can find these unique monkeys living in the forests near the Amazon River, as well as in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Unlike many other monkeys, woolly monkeys spend a lot of their time on the ground. They also move more slowly than some of their speedy monkey relatives.

What Woolly Monkeys Eat

Woolly monkeys enjoy a diet of fruit, bright flowers, and fresh leaves. They are mostly plant-eaters, which means they are herbivores. Finding their food in the forest canopy and on the forest floor is part of their daily routine.

Social Life and Habits

These monkeys are quite friendly and calm. They live together in groups, sometimes called bands, that can have anywhere from 10 to 30 monkeys. Being social animals, they are often seen hanging out with other types of monkeys in the forest.

When a woolly monkey feels scared, it will quickly swing through the tree branches to find a safe hiding spot. On the ground, they stand upright and use their strong tails to help them balance. Their tails are almost like an extra arm! Woolly monkeys are generally harmless creatures.

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