A capuchin is a small, intelligent monkey found in the forests of Central and South America. These monkeys got their name because the dark fur on their heads looks like the hoods worn by Capuchin monks, a Catholic religious order.

Capuchins are known for being remarkably smart and resourceful. They use tools in the wild, something only a few animals do: they crack open nuts with stones, fish for insects with sticks, and even use leaves as makeshift cups for drinking water. Scientists study capuchins to understand how animals solve problems and learn from each other.

These monkeys live in groups called troops and spend most of their time in trees, using their strong tails almost like an extra hand to grip branches while they search for fruit, insects, and small animals to eat.

You might have seen capuchins in movies or at zoos because they're social, expressive, and easy to train. Their intelligence and ability to manipulate objects with their nimble fingers make them fascinating to watch. In the wild, a capuchin can live 15 to 25 years, using its cleverness to find food and avoid predators in the rainforest canopy.