I LIVE IN AFRICA
Swamp monkeys are native to central Africa and can be found in forests and near bodies of water in Cameroon, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
I AM AN OMNIVORE
Swamp monkeys eat a variety of fruits, seeds, and leaves along with shrimp, snails, and small invertebrates.
SWAMP MONKEYS ARE SOCIAL
Swamp monkeys are social primates who tend to live in groups of 40 or more individuals! Within the group, they practice social grooming, which is seen as an act to strengthen bonds between individuals.
WONDER IN THE WATER
While there are many species of monkeys that are not able to swim, the swamp monkey is actually a very proficient swimmer. Their webbed toes help them glide through the water swiftly and smoothly. Swamp monkeys have been known to jump into bodies of water and dive underneath the surface to escape predators.
HELPING SWAMP MONKEYS IN THE WILD
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo supports the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, a coalition of sanctuaries across Africa that work to rescue and rehabilitate monkeys and apes, as well as conduct research on different species.
I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM
Because of their heavy diet of fruits, seeds, and leaves, swamp monkeys are excellent in aiding seed dispersal across the forest floors.