Capuchin monkeys are highly intelligent South American primates that face threats from the illegal pet trade and use as service animals, with welfare implications of their cognitive complexity.
Capuchin monkeys are cognitively complex primates that suffer significantly in typical captive conditions. Wild capuchins live in complex social groups with sophisticated tool use and long developmental periods. Monkeys trained as service animals are removed from their species-appropriate social environment and live in isolation with humans, causing chronic stress and behavioral abnormalities. Studies of service capuchins have documented repetitive behaviors, abnormal social responses, and stress indicators consistent with poor welfare. The Helping Hands organization has moved toward non-primate service animal alternatives. Illegal pet trade capuchins are often captured after their mothers are killed. Captive capuchins require very large complex environments with conspecific companions to approach adequate welfare.