Smart monkeys!

White-faced capuchin monkeys truly are smart creatures. They possess the largest brains of all Neotropical primates and have been seen using tools such as sticks and stones. In fact, white-faced capuchin monkeys are known to seek out certain plant species with medicinal qualities to heal their wounds. Once again their cleverness was put to the test by a type of spiny palm that can be found on the grounds of Arenas del Mar (www.ArenasdelMar.com). The Astrocarium, or Wild Pejibaye produces delicious dates which all the animals desire, but as the palm has sharp spines along its stem and on the underside of its leaves, it is incredibly difficult for animals to access the fruit. But guess who, using not only its brain, but also its acrobatic capacity, was able to enjoy munching these sweet pejibaye dates?


By: Jose Pablo Fdez, naturalist guide