Top 10 Cutest Monkeys in the World

Monkeys are lively and active by nature. Many species are loved by people because of their small size and cute appearance, and have even become a popular choice in the pet circle. So, what are the smart and cute monkeys in the world? Which monkey has the highest IQ?

Cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus)

Today, we will take stock of the top ten most adorable monkey species in the world, including pygmy marmosets, emperor tamarins, tarsiers, slow lorises, golden monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, etc. Let us learn about these heart-warming little guys together!

1. Pygmy marmoset

Pygmy marmosets are known as the smallest primates in the world. They are mainly distributed in Central and South America and like to live in forests near rivers. They are small enough to stand on a finger easily, so they are also called "thumb monkeys". With their cute appearance, dwarf marmosets are popular among the rich and have become a hot pet breed. 

It is said that on the European black market, a dwarf marmoset is sold for as much as 8,000 euros. However, the huge profit drive has led to their illegal capture in large numbers. Now this cute little animal is on the verge of extinction, which is regrettable.

2. Imperial Tamarin

The Imperial Tamarin is a small primate, which is said to be named after the German Emperor Wilhelm II because of its appearance. Its most notable feature is the two long white beards hanging on its face, which make it look elegant and cute. 

The Imperial Tamarin is mainly distributed in the Amazon Basin in South America, including Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. In recent years, with the continuous reduction and deterioration of its habitat, coupled with excessive hunting by humans, this unique monkey species is also facing an increasingly serious threat of extinction.

3. Tarsier

Speaking of the cutest monkeys in the world, the tarsier is definitely on the list. It is a small, extremely rare, small primate, and one of the smallest monkey species known to date. The most striking feature of the tarsier is its pair of round and large eyes, the diameter of which can even exceed 1 cm, which is particularly conspicuous on its small face and looks very cute. 

Scientific research shows that the tarsier originated about 60 million years ago and is a highly specialized branch of primates. Not only is the vision and hearing extremely developed, but it is also smart and agile, full of spirituality.

4. Slow Loris

Slow loris, also known as slow loris, is the only known primate with venom. When it feels threatened, it secretes a brown oily venom that not only serves as a defense, but also has a similar "insecticide" effect, helping to keep microorganisms away from the slow loris. Slow loris are small in size, usually move slowly, and often lie motionless, appearing lazy and innocent, with an especially cute appearance. 

Therefore, in some countries, slow loris have become one of the most popular pet breeds.

5. Golden monkey

Golden monkeys are known as one of the rarest monkeys in the world. Currently, there are five known species: Myanmar golden monkeys, Vietnamese golden monkeys, Sichuan golden monkeys, Yunnan golden monkeys and Guizhou golden monkeys. The latter three are endemic to China. Golden monkeys have soft and delicate hair, high nose bridges, thick lips, and no cheek pouches. These characteristics are special forms evolved to adapt to the low-oxygen environment of the plateau. 

They are covered with a layer of golden silk-like long hair, which can be up to more than 30 cm long. Adult golden monkeys are gorgeous and noble in appearance, while young golden monkeys are loved by people because of their round and cute appearance.

6. Ring-tailed Lemur

The ring-tailed lemur is named for the black and white ring-shaped stripes on its tail. It is a terrestrial lemur and one of the few lemur species that are active during the day. They have a small head, a low forehead, large ears covered with dense fur, a circle of soft long hair on both sides of the face, a slender and prominent snout, and lower incisors arranged in a comb-like shape, making the overall appearance quite like a fox, which makes it look particularly cute. 

Ring-tailed lemurs are gentle, friendly and lively, so they are deeply loved by humans.

7. Mouse Lemur

Mouse lemurs are one of the most primitive and smallest primates, with a body length of about 12.6 cm and a tail length of about 13.2 cm. They generally weigh between 40 and 100 grams. The weight of adult mouse lemurs varies with the seasons and usually remains at around 60 grams. They have big round eyes and relatively long ears (22 to 28 mm), and a white stripe on the bridge of their noses. Their overall appearance is particularly cute. 

At present, mouse lemurs are only distributed on the island of Madagascar in Africa and are listed as critically endangered species, which urgently needs human attention and protection.

8. Miniature Stone Monkey

Miniature Stone Monkey is actually the juvenile stage of Japanese macaque. Its face and body skin are flesh-colored, and its hair is golden yellow at first, and gradually turns red as it grows. As one of the smaller species of monkeys, the size of an adult Miniature Stone Monkey will not exceed the height of a large Coke bottle (the specific size is related to the food intake management during breeding). 

Because of its cute appearance and living habits that are very similar to humans, Miniature Stone Monkeys are often kept as pet monkeys and are deeply loved.

9. Night Monkey

Night monkeys are advanced primates that are active at night and dormant during the day. They are mainly found in the tropical rainforests of South America. They have a strong ability to focus light and can still accurately capture flying insects at night. Night monkeys have an ugly and cute temperament. Their big round eyes occupy their small faces. 

They are similar in size to squirrels, with slender limbs and soft and dense hair covering their bodies. Their backs are silver-gray with dark gray hair, and their abdomens are light yellow or brown. They look cute and unique.

10. Squirrel Monkey

Squirrel monkeys are small primates native to South America. They are gentle, easy to tame, and have strong fertility. Today, they are gradually becoming one of the most popular pets. They are slender, have thick and soft hair, and have bright and rich body colors, which are very ornamental. The mouth and snout of squirrel monkeys are black, and the eye circles, ear edges, nose bridge, cheeks, throats and sides of the neck are covered with white hair, and the top of the head is gray to black. They have a pair of large eyes with wide eye spacing and conspicuous large ears. 

Their tails are flexible and powerful, and can be wrapped around branches. The overall appearance is very cute and lovable.

The top ten most adorable monkeys in the world mainly count those monkeys with cute looks, and are summarized in combination with relevant Internet lists. They are for entertainment reference only. The relevant data is as of April 28, 2025. Solemn statement: hunting, killing, eating, and trading wild animals and their products are all illegal and criminal acts! Wild animals belong to nature. For the sake of the ecological environment and your health, please refuse to buy, raise, or eat wild animals!

animal tags： monkey