Keeping Primates As Pets | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk (2024)

FAQs

Keeping Primates As Pets | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk? ›

They're potentially dangerous - while they might look cute, they can become aggressive when they mature and have been known to bite and attack their owners. Not suitable house pets - primates need space, companions and mental stimulation - not what you find in someone's living room.

Under the law all private primate keepers will be required to hold a licence, issued by their local authority, with failure to comply with licence conditions resulting in an unlimited fine or removal of the primate.

In captivity a capuchin may live as long as 55 years. Capuchins in the wild live an average of 34 to 36 years (Nowak, 1999).

In addition to the high costs of keeping a money as a pet, these animals are also expensive to purchase from reputable sources. Costs will vary based on the type of monkey. For example, capuchin monkeys might cost $5,000 to $7,000, while a chimpanzee might cost $50,000.

Nonetheless, subject to certain restrictions in some circ*mstances, the sale and keeping of primates as pets in the UK and many other countries is currently legal. An estimated 5,000 primates are being kept as pets in the UK, including marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys and lemurs.

Sadly, it is currently legal to keep almost any animal as a pet in the UK unless there is legislation in place which specifically bans the keeping of that breed or species.

A Hug a Day. Northern Muriqui Monkeys are the most peaceful primates in the world, living in uniquely egalitarian societies where relationships between males and females are free of conflict, and instead full of hugs.

Capuchin IQ

Capuchins are the most intelligent New World monkeys – perhaps as intelligent as chimpanzees. They are noted for their ability to fashion and use tools.

When pet monkeys reach maturity, they can become difficult to handle and may even injure their owners. Many end up being rehomed to sanctuaries, or may even be released into the wild where their chance of survival is very low.

Capuchins, like other primates, can transmit certain diseases to humans, the most notable being hepatitis and rabies. Monkeys are also natural hosts of herpes B (or monkey B) virus, which can cause fatal encephalomyelitis in people.

Why can't capuchin monkeys be potty trained? ›

Monkeys are highly excitable animals and will relieve themselves whenever and wherever they are upset. Though you may be somewhat successful diapering or toilet-training a young monkey, once the monkey reaches maturity, that training is forgotten or ignored.

They are also quite playful, especially young monkeys. Capuchins of any age tend to be docile, but can become aggressive, even toward human companions, if frustrated or frightened.

Capuchin monkeys are one of the more common primates in the pet trade. The black-capped, or tufted, capuchin appears to be the most common species kept.

Currently, a significant number of states have no explicit laws prohibiting the private ownership of monkeys as pets. These states include: West: Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska. Midwest: Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio.

Upon first impression, the exchange appears similar to rough housing among human children. Local news outlets have been describing the interactions as a remarkable "friendship" between human and monkeys. It's not the first time accounts have surfaced about people who share strong bonds with our wild cousins.

Help our charity, Wild Futures, protect primates in the UK and abroad by adopting a monkey today. How you are helping primates: Enabling our UK Sanctuary care for monkeys rescued from the pet trade and entertainment industry.

Legality. Even though they are quite endearing, pet chimps still behave like wild animals. It's illegal to own one in most parts of the U.S. Still, some states—including Texas, Kansas, Idaho, and Alabama—allow pet chimps. You will likely need a permit to keep a chimp.

You must apply for a licence to keep some wild, dangerous or exotic pets, for example wild cats, monkeys or apes. You should get the licence before you bring your pet to Great Britain.