Some monkeys are cute. Others are
clever. And then there are a few that look like they escaped from a dream… or
maybe a cartoon gone wrong. There’s one that shines like it was dipped in gold,
glowing through the trees like it doesn’t belong to this world. Another walks
around with a giant floppy nose that looks like it could double as a hammock.
One poor soul shows up with a bald head and a tomato-red face, like it lost a
bet with the jungle barber and never got over it. But that’s not all. You’ll
meet a heavyweight bruiser built like a bodybuilder with a paint job gone wild.
There’s one tiny fluff ball that floats through the forest like a piece of
sky-colored cotton candy. And yes—there’s even a serious-faced creature that’s
clearly still celebrating Halloween… every single day. These monkeys aren’t
made-up. They’re real, strange, and some of them are on the edge of
disappearing forever. Stick
around. Because once you’ve seen them—you’ll be telling people for days. Let’s
dive in.
17.
Gee’s Golden Langur
The Gee’s Golden Langur is so beautiful, it almost looks
fake. Its golden-white fur shines in the sunlight, making it look like it came
from a fairy tale—or a shampoo ad. This rare monkey is found only in Bhutan and
parts of Assam, India. It was officially discovered in the 1950s by Indian
naturalist E.P. Gee, and that’s why it’s named after him—not because it says
“gee!” when jumping (though it might). Golden langurs are shy and quiet. They
live high in the trees where few people can reach. They avoid humans and enjoy
a calm life, eating leaves, fruits, and seeds. These monkeys live in small
groups, usually led by a female. They spend a lot of time grooming each other
and caring for their babies. In some places, people see them as sacred and
believe they bring peace and blessings. But they are endangered, with fewer
than 5,000 left in the wild. Deforestation and human conflict are big threats,
though conservation work in Bhutan and India is helping protect them.
16.
Peruvian Black Spider Monkey
The Peruvian Black Spider Monkey looks
like it came straight out of a jungle ninja movie. With long arms, a super long
tail, and an all-black look, it’s basically the Batman of the rainforest. Found
in Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador, this monkey loves swinging through the treetops
like it’s in a jungle Olympics. Its tail is so strong it can hang upside down
and eat at the same time. Lazy or talented? Probably both. Locals call it
“Maquisapa,” but “tree acrobat” fits better. It can leap, swing, and twist in
the air like a circus performer—no safety net needed. Its eyes are sharp and
serious, like it knows your secrets. Even though it looks mysterious, it’s very
social. It lives in groups of up to 30 and makes all kinds of strange
sounds—squeals, barks, and even noises that sound like parrots. Sadly, this
amazing monkey is in danger from hunting and deforestation. Conservation groups
like the Smithsonian are trying to protect them, but their numbers are dropping
fast. If it starred in a movie, it would be The Silent Swinger.
15.
Silvery Marmoset
The Silvery Marmoset is a tiny
monkey that looks like it just stepped out of a cloud. With silver-gray fur and
giant white ears, it’s like someone gave a cotton ball a personality.
Native to Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, this mini monkey is only about 8 to 9
inches long (without the tail), and weighs about as much as a can of soda. But
don’t let the size fool you—it’s got attitude. It’s fast, alert, and super
nosy. Silvery Marmosets live in small family groups, and everyone chips in to
raise the babies—like a team of jungle babysitters. They communicate with
squeaks, clicks, and tail flicks, which sounds like a bunch of tiny
walkie-talkies going off in the trees. Their diet is fun too. They eat fruit,
tree sap, small bugs, and even lizards. They use their sharp lower teeth to
gouge holes into tree bark and then slurp up the sap like it’s a smoothie.
14.
Emperor Tamarin
If Sherlock Holmes became a monkey,
he’d look like the Emperor Tamarin. This tiny monkey has a long white mustache
that makes it look like an old emperor or a clever detective. It’s named after
Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, who also had a big mustache. But while the
emperor ruled a country, this monkey rules the treetops of South America. You
can find it in the Amazon rainforest, in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. It weighs
less than a loaf of bread—around 500 grams—but it’s quick, smart, and always
alert. Emperor Tamarins are very social and live in groups. They use squeaks
and chirps to talk. Sometimes, when two groups meet, they have loud “shouting”
contests. They eat fruits, insects, and tree sap. Even though they look old and
serious, they’re playful and jump between branches like gymnasts. What makes
them special is how their look tricks you—they seem royal and wise, but they’re
full of fun and energy. It’s like watching a tiny king go wild on a jungle
playground. Truly one of nature’s funniest and most stylish monkeys.
13.
Dusky Leaf Langur
The Dusky Leaf Langur looks like a
confused cartoon character who just woke up late for school. With wide white
eyes and soft gray fur, it always has that “what just happened?” look. Some
call it the “Spectacled Langur” because it looks like it’s wearing round
glasses—like it’s been spying on forest gossip. Found in the forests of
Thailand and Malaysia, it lives high in the trees and avoids trouble. It enjoys
a quiet life, eating young leaves, fruits, and flowers, and spending time with
its group. The babies are even funnier—they’re born bright orange and slowly
turn gray as they grow up. It’s like they start life as highlighters and fade
into calm introverts. These monkeys are polite—not loud or aggressive. They
like peace, family time, and leafy snacks. If you stare too long, one might
stare back like it’s judging your choices. Sadly, their calm life is in danger
because forests are being cut down. Wildlife groups are trying to protect them
before we lose these sleepy, librarian-looking monkeys forever.
If you liked this video so far,
leave a like and you can also check out 10 Unique Monkeys You Won't Believe Exist
On our channel 4 Ever Green.
12.
Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey
The Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey looks like
it belongs in a magical fantasy movie. With bright golden-orange fur, a blue
face, and a shocked expression, it’s one of the strangest-looking monkeys in
the world. Found only in the mountain forests of central China, it lives in
cold, snowy areas where most monkeys wouldn’t survive. But this monkey doesn’t
mind the snow—it treats it like a soft blanket. It has an upturned nose, which
gives it the name “snub-nosed,” and its face always looks surprised, maybe from
the cold. These monkeys live in very large groups—sometimes up to 600—and spend
lots of time huddled together to stay warm. If hugging could win medals, they’d
be champions. They eat leaves, lichens, fruits, and even tree bark, because
food is hard to find in winter. The Chinese government has made special nature
reserves to protect them, like Shennongjia Nature Reserve. The Golden
Snub-Nosed Monkey is seen as a symbol of Chinese wildlife and has been featured
on Chinese stamps and coins to show its importance.
11.
Red-Shanked Douc
The Red-Shanked Douc looks like a
monkey dressed by a fashion designer having fun. It has red legs like velvet
pants, gray arms, a golden-orange face, and white whiskers like a wise old man.
Its tail is pure white, almost like it’s showing off. This monkey is more
stylish than many runway models. Found in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, it lives
high in the trees and almost never comes down. It’s shy, but once you see one,
you can’t look away. Some call it the “costumed ape” because it looks like it’s
wearing a royal outfit made from five animals. But it’s not just beautiful—it’s
also gentle and social. Red-Shanked Doucs live in groups of up to 50 and use
soft sounds, facial expressions, and even sneezes to talk. They eat leaves,
flowers, young shoots, and unripe fruits. Sadly, even though they are one of
the most colorful monkeys, they are critically endangered. In Vietnam, they’re
still hunted for meat and traditional medicine, and habitat loss continues to
threaten their survival.
10.
Colobus Monkey
The Colobus Monkey looks like it’s
wearing a royal black-and-white cape and forgot its thumbs at home. Yep, this
monkey has no thumbs—just four long fingers that help it swing through trees
like it’s on a mission. Found across central and eastern Africa, the Colobus
Monkey is quiet, classy, and kind of picky when it comes to food. It mostly
eats leaves but can digest the ones that make other monkeys sick, thanks to its
special multi-chambered stomach—like a cow in a monkey suit. Its name “Colobus”
actually means “mutilated” in Greek, thanks to its missing thumb. But it
doesn’t mind—it’s one of the best tree-jumpers in the forest. It can leap over 50
feet between branches like it’s doing slow-motion movie stunts. Colobus
monkeys live in family groups of 10 to 15, and they love grooming each other.
Think of it as jungle spa day, every day. They’re not aggressive, and they
rarely make loud noises, unlike their howler cousins.
9.
Zanzibar Red Colobus
The Zanzibar Red Colobus is like a punk rocker monkey with
wild red fur, a strange face, and a strong smell that might make you step back.
No offense—but scientists say it’s one of the smelliest monkeys around. Even
other monkeys sometimes keep their distance. It’s found only on Zanzibar Island
in Tanzania, making it both rare and unique. With messy white hair, a red back,
and gray limbs, it looks like it just rolled out of bed. Its long tail and
high-pitched call give it a fun, odd vibe. These monkeys love big groups—30 to
50 at a time—jumping through trees, grooming each other, and eating leaves,
flowers, and unripe fruits. Their stomachs are special and can digest tough
plant parts, like a built-in salad machine. Sadly, the Zanzibar Red Colobus is
critically endangered. The biggest threat is deforestation, as people cut down
the forests they call home. Many tourists visit the Jozani Forest Reserve to
see them, and local people are working to protect their last safe place.
8.
Mexican Spider Monkey
If Spiderman had a monkey cousin in
Mexico, it would be the Mexican Spider Monkey. This monkey is long and thin,
with arms and legs that stretch like rubber bands. Its tail works like a fifth
hand, making it move like it’s made of elastic. Found in the rainforests of
southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, it spends almost its whole life in the
trees and rarely comes down. It can swing more than 30 feet from one branch to
another without any effort. It has a small round head, black fur, and big eyes
that make it look cute and serious at the same time. Its tail is so strong it
can pick up food or hang upside down—stronger than a human arm. These monkeys
live in groups and eat fruit, seeds, flowers, and sometimes bird eggs. Sadly,
they are in danger because forests are being cut down and people hunt them. For
those lucky enough to see one in the wild, it’s like watching a superhero doing
stunts—no special effects needed.
7.
De Brazza’s Monkey
This monkey looks like it’s heading to
a forest board meeting. Meet the De Brazza’s Monkey—a fancy little guy with a
white beard, an orange crown on its head, and a serious face that says, “I’m
not here for monkey business.” Found in Central Africa, this monkey gives off
major professor vibes, like it’s been reading old scrolls under a tree for 20
years. It’s quiet, smart, and shy. You won’t see it playing around much. It
prefers to move alone or with its close family. Some call it the James Bond of
monkeys—cool, mysterious, and hard to spot. It eats fruits, leaves, seeds, and sometimes
insects, but never rushes. It seems like it's always thinking. The beard alone
makes it look wiser than your history teacher. This monkey was named after
Italian explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who discovered it in the 1800s.
But really, the monkey deserves credit—it’s been hiding in the forests like a
pro ever since. If animals had a best-dressed award, this one would be on the
cover of Forest Vogue.
Before proceeding to our next
selection, we invite you to explore our video on Here Is Why Monkeys Never Mess with Tiny
Martens now, back to our list
6. Howler Monkey
The Howler Monkey is the loudmouth of the monkey world—and
proud of it. This monkey doesn’t just make noise—it shouts. It’s known as the
loudest land animal on Earth. You could be drinking coffee three miles away and
still hear it yelling, probably because someone entered its favorite tree.
Found in Central and South America, Howler Monkeys are big, slow-moving, and
sound like a mix between a lion and a broken car engine. But don’t
worry—they’re peaceful and sleep a lot. Some nap up to 15 hours a day, like a
teenager on summer break. When they wake up? They start howling again. They
have a special bone in their throat called a hyoid bone. It works like a
built-in speaker, no batteries needed. Their diet is simple—just leaves. Since
leaves don’t give much energy, they save it by moving slowly. Eat, sleep, and
yell—that’s their routine. National Geographic said their call is one of the
wild’s most unforgettable sounds. They’re like jungle rockstars—loud, dramatic,
and always grabbing attention. Jungle neighbors? Probably not fans.
5.
Night (Owl) Monkey
If an owl and a teddy bear had a baby, it would look like
the Night Monkey—also called the Owl Monkey. With big, round eyes and a small,
round face, it always looks surprised, like it just heard bedtime was canceled.
Unlike most monkeys, the Night Monkey is nocturnal. It sleeps during the day
and is active at night, making it the only monkey in the world that prefers
moonlight over sunlight. Found across South America, especially in the Amazon,
its big eyes help it see clearly in the dark. These monkeys are small—about the
size of a rabbit—and live in tiny family groups, usually just mom, dad, and a
baby or two. The dad does most of the babysitting, carrying the baby all day
and handing it to the mom only for feeding. They eat fruits, leaves, and
insects and like a quiet life in the trees. Though they are shy and private,
Night Monkeys are very cute. Scientists study them to learn about malaria and
sleep, so they help humans in quiet, important ways.
4. Saki Monkey
The Saki Monkey looks like it’s always
dressed for Halloween—only no one told it the party is over. With a poofy round
head, small body, and a face that looks like it’s wearing a mask, it’s both
cute and a little spooky. These monkeys live deep in the Amazon rainforest in
Brazil, Peru, and French Guiana. They stay high in the trees, quietly watching
everything below. Male white-faced sakis have fluffy black bodies and bright
white faces, making them look like floating heads in the jungle. Females look
different, with more brown and gray fur. Saki monkeys are very private. They
don’t live in big, noisy groups. Instead, they stay with just one partner and
their babies—forest introverts. They eat mostly seeds and fruits but will also
eat insects sometimes. Their strong jaws help them crack tough nuts that most
monkeys can’t open. Sakis are shy, fast, and almost never come to the ground.
If Tarzan had a quiet bodyguard who loved peace and fruit, it would be a Saki
Monkey.
3.
Drill Monkey
The Drill Monkey looks like it goes to
the gym every day and got a wild face paint job. With a strong body, sharp
eyes, and bright face colors—blue cheeks and a red nose—it’s one of the most
muscular and colorful monkeys in the world. It’s like a mix between a
bodybuilder and an artist. Drills are found mainly in Nigeria, Cameroon, and
parts of Equatorial Guinea. They’re close cousins of the Mandrill—the famous
monkey that looks like Rafiki from The Lion King—but
Drills are rarer and even stronger. Adult males can weigh up to 110 pounds and
look like they could lift a banana tree. They live in groups led by a dominant
male and sometimes join super groups of over 100 when there’s plenty of food.
They eat fruits, leaves, insects, and sometimes small animals. Drills are
peaceful in their group but don’t like being bothered. Sadly, they are among
Africa’s most endangered monkeys, hunted for bushmeat and losing their forest
homes. Groups like the Pandrillus Foundation are working hard to protect them.
2.
Bald Uakari
The Bald Uakari looks like it lost a
bet with the jungle barber. It has no hair on its head, a bright red face, and
always looks angry or upset. Some say it looks like a monkey politician. Others
think it just forgot sunscreen. Either way, you won’t forget its face. This
rare monkey lives in the flooded forests of the western Amazon in Brazil and
Peru and prefers areas near rivers. It has a short, fluffy body and a small
tail—not what you’d expect for a monkey in trees. But it’s active and moves
well. Its red face isn’t just for looks—it shows how healthy it is. A bright
red face means it’s healthy, while a pale face can mean it’s sick. These
monkeys live in groups of 10 to 30 and eat fruits, seeds, and insects. They
have strong teeth and can chew hard forest snacks. Bald Uakaris are one of the
rarest monkeys in the wild and are listed as vulnerable. They may look grumpy,
but they’re smart, social, and very special.
1.
Proboscis Monkey
The Proboscis Monkey looks like it
walked straight out of a cartoon and forgot to fix its nose. Its giant, droopy
nose hangs down over its mouth like a squishy banana—and the bigger the nose,
the more attractive the male is. In the monkey world, nose size = hotness. No
kidding. This goofy-looking superstar lives only in Borneo, mostly in mangrove
swamps and riverbanks. It’s a great swimmer—so great, in fact, it has webbed
feet. Proboscis monkeys are often seen belly-flopping into rivers or
swimming across like Olympic athletes (with weird noses). They travel in groups
of 10–30, with one big male leading the ladies and babies. Males can grow up to
50 pounds, while females are much smaller and don’t have the mega-nose.
Still, both sexes have big bellies—thanks to their special digestive system
that helps them break down leaves, fruits, and seeds. But that belly gives them
a permanent “I just ate everything at the buffet” look.
And that’s it for today. If
you enjoyed this strange lineup, hit like, leave a comment, and don’t forget to
subscribe for more weird wonders. See you in the next one!