Adult monkeys are seen feasting on a 10-day old infant from their group - Daily Mail

Nov 20, 2020

Capuchin monkeys have been observed eating the remains of an infant monkey for the first time, a rare instance of cannibalism among New World primates.

The remains of an infant capuchin monkey that was devoured by other members of its group.

Cannibalism is extremely rare among New World primates and has never been observed in capuchins.

An alpha female and juvenile male eating the fingers and legs of a dead infant.

And it's never been observed among capuchin monkeys, which are native to the rainforests of Central America.

But only the alpha female and the young male consumed the infant — and they left its face, upper limbs, and torso intact

The researchers say further study is needed to fully understand the unusual behavior, but they noted that female capuchin monkeys are known to carry deceased offspring for many hours

Without its mother carrying off the dead infant, the other monkeys were presented with an unusual situation