Before we start today’s Wild Fact, I wanted to wish my Mom a very special Happy Birthday. In honour of her 25th birthday…okay, so this might not be her exact age but doesn’t look a day older than 25 (how is that for sucking up?). Anyway, in honour of this special occasion we are going to study the incredible Green Monkey. No, I am not calling my mother a monkey but she has always had a love for monkey’s so today’s featured animal is just for her, but don’t worry, you are allowed to read it as well.

The  Golden Monkey

This Green Monkey is considered to be an Old World species, which is also known as the Callithrix Monkey. I have absolutely no idea where this name came from or what it means. If you happen to know, please share with all of us in the comment section below. Although the coloration is subtle, they have a very nice appearance with their golden-green fur, while the tip of their tail, back of their thighs and cheek whiskers all have a beautiful golden colour. Perhaps they should have named this the Golden Monkey instead of the Green Monkey but that probably would have increased the number of poachers looking for the golden primate.

A True Dictatorship

This Green-Gold Monkey is very social and can typically be found in groups ranging from 7 to 80 members. So the next time you are wandering around the forest landscape of West Africa – from Senegal to the Volta River – make sure you keep an eye out for these large families. As with other monkey species, there is a distinct social hierarchy amongst the members of the group, which is clearly visible through their grooming and mating behaviours. Interestingly enough, it is the alpha male of the group that dictates which members are allowed to mate.  But as in any unfair political system, the alpha male will ensure that he chooses himself as one of the lucky monkey’s. If you ever needed an example of an unfair dictatorship…..this would be it.

Green Monkey Fast Fact

The Green Monkey is highly susceptible to disease and predation. As such, their average lifespan in the wild is lower than they would like, with the healthiest and luckiest individuals living up to 13 years old. This is definitely the high end as many of these monkeys will never break the age of 10. Don’t feel too sad though as I am sure these little primates enjoy their life. How could they not….they are Monkeys!!