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Monkeys choose babysitters based on who has more parenting experience

Young female black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys often want to hold other females’ infants, but mothers are much more permissive of experienced caregivers

By Sophie Berdugo

20 March 2025

91av. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

A black-and-white snub-nosed monkey and her infant

Minden Pictures/Alamy

Snub-nosed monkey mums are picky when choosing a babysitter, permitting experienced females to care for their infants more often than young and inexperienced ones.

Many primates rely on the help of others when raising their offspring. This can provide the mother with some respite while also allowing younger and less experienced individuals to hone their parenting skills.

Now, an accidental discovery by at the Southwest Forestry University in China and her…

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