The Black-Capped Capuchin is a charming, intelligent primate.

The Black-Capped Capuchin is native to South America, where it lives in large, hierarchical groups. These groups are characterized by female dominance, and female Black-Capped Capuchins form special hierarchies among themselves. Usually more females and young monkeys than adult males will be found in a group. Dominant female Black-Capped Capuchins have the privilege of initiating mating after picking the male she wants. Black-Capped Capuchin groups will even associate with other monkeys, especially other Capuchins. Staying mostly in the trees of the rainforest, Capuchins eat plant parts, insects, nectar, nuts and seeds in the wild. Black-Capped Capuchins will adapt their diet if one food source runs out. They play together and chatter amongst themselves. In captivity, they should be fed a variety of food to prevent these intelligent creatures from becoming bored. Because they are used to lots of company in the wild, Black-Capped Capuchins should be kept in groups or pairs, and you should spend lots of time playing with your loving little monkeys. If left alone, they will become neurotic or depressed. Black-Capped Capuchins are very active and should be given lots of space in which to play, in addition to toys, a safe secluded box to hide out in, and lots of sturdy branches to climb. In captive studies, Black-Capped Capuchins have figured out how to use tools like twigs in order to obtain food, and may be taught tricks. In fact, they are highly trainable and are the ones everyone calls the 'organ-grinder's monkey'. There is even a Black-Capped Capuchin in the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark"! These sweet, playful monkeys live an average 30 to 45 years.

Black-Capped Capuchins have a spunky tuft of fur crowning their heads. As their name implies, this furry crown is black. Black-Capped Capuchins have very long arms and legs as compared to their body, which measures about 18 inches. The prehensile tail is also about 18 inches long. The Black-Capped Capuchin usually weighs in at about two to four pounds, and has human-like hands with an opposable thumb. The molar teeth are thickly coated in enamel to help the Capuchin crack nuts without cracking its teeth!

Native to the rainforest, the Black-Capped Capuchin has the largest range of all New World Monkeys. Generally they are found in the wet, low forests of Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, the Guyanas, Suriname and Paraguay. Capuchins were named upon their discovery for their tufted heads, which was reminiscent of the cowl or capuche of Franciscan monks.

Before acquiring a Black-Capped Capuchin it is essential that you find a veterinarian experienced in the care of Capuchins, as this will be important in case of emergency. After your new friends arrival you should visit the vet in order to set up a schedule of vaccinations and de-wormings.

Dominant female Black-Capped Capuchins initiate mating with dominant males. Infant Black-Capped Capuchins cling to their mothers' backs until they are three weeks old. After this, they will begin to become stronger and more active. By the time they are two months old, baby Black-Capped Capuchins will be carried by other group members and this group parenting continues until the infant is 11 months of age. The Black-Capped Capuchin is not entirely independant until they reach 2 years of age.