Monkeys as Pets: Guidelines and Basic Tips (2024)

FAQs

Monkeys as Pets: Guidelines and Basic Tips? ›

Monkeys need a lot of room to move around and play. They like to roam outdoors as much as possible. If they're not in the wild, then they need a secure enclosure that is huge and expensive. Certain states require certain types of enclosures in order to obtain a permit to have a pet monkey

Health problems - primates need specialist vets, which can be expensive and hard to find. Primates can also spread disease to humans, such as measles and herpes. They need companionship - and primates must be reared by their mothers, as removing them too early in an attempt to 'tame' them causes extreme suffering.

Overall, monkeys are not good pets. Yes, some can be quite sweet for a time. But the reality is monkeys are capable of causing too much harm and need too much care and attention to thrive in a human household. These issues are equally as important when it comes to apes (chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons).

Monkeys require attention all day, every day, and unlike cats and dogs, they cannot be left at home for extended periods of time. Once your monkey bonds with you, he will want to follow you wherever you go, and if you try to leave him by himself he will become bored, depressed and aggressive.

Sometimes, younger monkeys can be partially potty trained, but they lose that ability as they mature. In addition, as they're attempting to potty train, they tend to throw their poop and play with their pee. Because of this, pet monkeys have to wear diapers throughout their lives.

1. Capuchin. Capuchin monkeys are much smaller than chimps, making them easier to care for and far less dangerous.

Monkeys have a strong sense of smell and can be repelled by certain scents. Consider using citrus peels, garlic cloves, or vinegar-soaked rags placed strategically around your garden to deter them. Additionally, installing motion-activated sprinkler systems can startle and discourage monkeys from entering your garden.

For instance, cynomolgus monkeys (a.k.a., crab-eating macaques or long-tailed macaques) are one of the most prevalent species in research and live an average of 38 years in captivity. Vervet monkeys, popular as pets, can live up to 30 years in captivity.

How do you discipline a pet monkey? ›

Issue stern commands.

The best way to let your monkey know that you are in charge is to issue a stern command that they stop any aggressive behavior. Issuing a simple command such as “No” or “Stop” is enough. Say your command quickly and clearly, speaking loudly without screaming the command.

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.

Both Arnedo and Fuentes gave personal accounts of growing bonds with monkeys they studied in the field. "If you spend enough time with them, it feels like you're part of a group," said Arnedo, but she added that, just like humans, primates are shaped by environmental factors and individual personalities.

$3,500–$60,000+

Certain private breeders do not see any ethical issues with private ownership of monkeys. Since private breeders of monkeys are so limited, they can sell the monkeys for an outrageously high price. You can expect the monkey price to be between $3,500–$60,000 or more.

A balanced diet will usually be formulated from complete primate pelleted food, fresh fruit, vegetables, insects and leafy branches and adapted for a particular species.

All primates, big and small, have complex social, physical and psychological needs that require expert care. Monkeys are social creatures that require constant interaction with their own species as part of a large group. They need space to climb and play, a proper diet, and lots of mental stimulation.

a suitable enclosure with enough three-dimensional content, including climbing structures for species-specific behaviour. the right temperature, humidity, ventilation, noise levels and lighting. suitable feeding and sleeping sites. a means of, and location for, visual welfare assessment.

Fact: These animals require unique care, including a special diet, companionship of other nonhuman primates, and appropriate housing. Their housing alone requires very large enclosures that allow for climbing and swinging—in short, the kind of environment provided by their natural habitat.