Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is home to many primates, and while they may have similar features, not all primates are the same. Key differences between them give us clues about their evolutionary history, and what is important for their care. Because primates are found throughout the world, different species face different challenges.

So, what is a primate?

WE are primates! Primates are a group of diverse mammals including lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, apes and humans (a type of ape).  This means we share a common ancestor with these species and, therefore, some of our traits overlap. However, our last common ancestor lived millions of years ago. We did not evolve from any existing species of primates living today as our lineage split long ago. However, we can find common traits and clues that point to a similar origin even today.

Primates are often characterized by their advanced cognitive development and abilities, forward facing bodies, and grasping hands and feet. So, what puts us all in this same order?

• Our brain is larger than most other mammals when compared to our body weight.
• While other mammals have claws or hooves, we have flat nails.
• Our teeth are distinguishable from other mammals by the low rounded form of the molar and premolar cusps.
• While less prominent in humans, all primates can use their feet to grasp things.
• Not all primates have equal dexterity, but most of us have opposable thumbs.  
• Though social and ranking order is not unique to primates, group living and rank are common in the primate world.
• Infancy and childhood is long. Most primates depend on the care of their mother and group for extended periods of time compared to other groups of animals. 

What is a monkey and what is an ape?

When you come to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens you will meet many primates, and you may wonder what makes them different and what makes them similar.

The quickest and easiest way to tell a monkey apart from an ape is the tail. Apes do not have tails and most monkeys have a visible tail. Apes all originate from the Old World, whereas monkeys are found around the globe. Apes tend to walk on two legs for longer periods of time.

Who are all these monkeys?

There are about 260 different species of monkeys. They can be separated into Old World and New World monkeys. Old world monkeys, like Mandrills and Guereza colobus, can be found in African Forest. New world monkeys like squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, and cotton top tamarins can be found in Range of the Jaguar and Play Park.

Fun Fact: Only new world monkeys have prehensile tails, allowing them to swing from branches and grasp items using their tails.

What about lemurs?

Lemurs are also primates and are prosimians. Like all primates, prosimians have hands and feet capable of grasping tree limbs. The second toe of their hind foot, unlike the rest, has a long claw that helps them groom their body. Unlike the flexible, expressive face of monkeys and apes, prosimians have inflexible faces. Yet their large charismatic eyes are easy to spot and help them see well at night.

How can I help primates?

When you come to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, you are helping care and protect our wonderful primates, as well as helping fund projects to help primates in their native habitats. We have committed efforts to support primate organizations like:

Friends of Bonobos provide rescue, sanctuary and rewild endangered bonobos. They are the only bonobo sanctuary in the world. Their work focuses on rescuing bonobos from illegal wildlife traffic and providing them care. Their work ensures that young bonobos make it to adulthood and can be introduced into protected lands. Their community involvement approach aims to reduce the demand for bushmeat in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla Rehabilitation Conservation Education, or GRACE, is community-founded and is the only sanctuary in the world for rescued eastern lowland gorillas or Grauer’s gorillas. Their efforts focus on rehabilitation, reintroduction, conservation education and working with communities to identify sustainable solutions for gorilla to human coexistence.