How Can I Buy a Monkey?

How can I buy a monkey?

Check your state’s laws to be sure it’s legal. The laws vary from state to state, but most states won’t let you adopt a monkey or ape without a permit and proof of an enclosure big enough for the animal to live happily. Check out animal rights nonprofit Born Free USA’s website for an overview of different states’ laws regarding the adoption of exotic animals, including monkeys and apes. (Tl;dr: you probably can’t buy a monkey.) Most states that allow the adoption of monkeys and apes will require a permit, which can be pricey. You may also need a certain level of experience with the animal you wish to adopt before you’re granted a permit. For instance, if you want to adopt certain wild animals in Florida (including a variety of primates, such as chimps, baboons, and gibbons), you need to log 1000+ hours of caretaking work with the species you’re looking to adopt. Some states may outlaw specific primates—e.g., Arkansas does not permit the possession of apes, baboons, and macaques as pets.

Research the type of monkey you want. There are over 300 different types of monkeys, and they differ widely from one another. Do as much research as possible on the type of monkey you’re interested in adopting—including whether it’s legal to own such a monkey in your state. Monkeys differ by size, cost, social habits, and more. Understand the needs of the monkey you’re looking to adopt and make sure you’re equipped to care for your new pet.

Find a reputable breeder. Way easier said than done. The internet is full of black market and/or scammy breeder websites, so try asking a professional monkey handler or exotic veterinarian what they recommend. They’re sure to have a better understanding of the ins and outs of monkey ownership. Send an email to the primate handlers at your local zoo for their advice. Search for exotic veterinarians in your area and ask them what they recommend. (If there are no exotic vets in your area, you probably shouldn’t get a monkey.) Just be prepared for whoever you reach out to to disapprove of your decision to own a monkey. They may or may not be willing to help you, even if you have the proper licensing.

Pros of Adopting a Monkey

They are very social. If you’re looking for a pet to spend a lot of time with, a monkey may fit the bill. Monkeys are social creatures by nature, and once your monkey bonds with you, it will want to follow you everywhere.

They are very entertaining. Monkeys can be a challenge to train, but they’re very intelligent creatures capable of doing complex tricks. They’re endlessly fun to watch and hang out with.

They live a long time. It’s incredibly hard to lose a pet, but the typical monkey lives anywhere from 20 to 40 years, meaning you probably won’t have to say goodbye to your buddy for a while.

Cons of Adopting a Monkey

Adopting a monkey may fuel illegal wildlife trafficking. Illegal wildlife trafficking involves the harvesting and selling of wildlife and wildlife products for use in medicine or fashion, as food, as pets, and more. Adopting a monkey may foil conservation efforts by contributing to the illegal wildlife trade, which could contribute to primate species extinction and population decrease.

They are expensive. The cost likely varies depending on the type of monkey you’re looking for. A smaller monkey, like a capuchin, might cost under $10,000, while a larger ape like a chimp might cost upwards of $50,000. And of course, you’ll likely need that permit, which will cost money. Even after buying your monkey, they’re costly to care for. Plus, your home insurance company may require an addendum for exotic animals, which can increase your policy limits.

It’s difficult to adopt a monkey legally. It’s illegal to adopt a potentially dangerous animal in most states, but exactly what that means shifts depending on the state. Even if your state allows the adoption of monkeys, the necessary permits may be difficult to attain and expensive. Since you need a permit to handle a monkey, this could make getting someone to pet-sit for you a bit of a nightmare, as they’d need to be an experienced monkey handler, too.

They require a lot of care. Monkeys are a lot like children, so if you’re not prepared to have a baby, you’re probably not prepared to have a monkey. They require lots of attention, as well as exercise and toys to keep them active and entertained. They also need regular time outdoors. Unlike with a cat or dog, you can’t just leave a monkey unattended for hours on end and they can’t be left home alone for extended periods of time. You’ll need an enclosure for your monkey, since you can’t just give them free reign over your house. Guidelines look a little different for different species, but essentially, you’ll need to make sure your enclosure is safe, clean, and large enough for your monkey to have plenty of space to move about it. You’ll need to find an exotic animal veterinarian before adopting your monkey, which can be a challenge if there’s not one in your area.

They are difficult to train. Monkeys are smart, complicated creatures, which can make it difficult to train them if you don’t have a thorough understanding of primate behavior. They can be stubborn and towheaded, making taming them a challenge. Not only are they hard to train, they’re also pretty messy, and it can be hard to train them to be neater. When it comes down to it, monkeys are wild animals, and they aren't really meant to live in a house.

They can be unpredictable and dangerous. Baby monkeys can be cute and fun, but once they reach sexual maturity—around 3 or 4 years of age—they’re prone to more aggressive and unpredictable behavior. Even if your monkey bonded with you as a baby, it may become difficult or even dangerous to live with as an adult. Even if your monkey is affectionate and friendly with you, there’s no guarantee it won’t be scared or uncomfortable around other people, leaving them at risk of harm.

Because they live so long, you’ll be committed to them for a while. That’s a long time to care for a pet, especially one that’s as expensive and high-maintenance as a monkey. Before adopting a monkey (or any pet, for that matter), be sure you know how long you might be committed to their care.

You may need to get more than one monkey. Monkeys aren’t lone wolves, and they’ll likely require a significant amount of your time. An undersocialized monkey may be more prone to biting and screaming—behaviors that are difficult to manage. Some monkeys need to be a part of a hierarchy, meaning you may need to adopt 5 or 6 monkeys. You’ll also likely need to understand the politics of that hierarchy yourself and treat the monkeys accordingly.

The monkey may not bond with everyone in your life. Monkeys are social, but that doesn’t mean they bond with everyone or that they’ll even tolerate everyone. It’s possible your monkey will only bond with a few people, making it difficult to develop new relationships if your monkey doesn’t take to the person.

Alternatives to Having a Monkey as a Pet

“Adopt” a monkey at the zoo or another animal organization. Born Free USA and Wild Futures are two of many organizations that allow you to sponsor a monkey in a sanctuary. While it’s not the same as having the monkey yourself, a sanctuary surrounded by trained handlers and other primates is likely to be a safer, more fulfilling environment for the monkey and your sponsorship will do long-term good for the protection of endangered or at-risk species. Adopting a sanctuary monkey often includes a personalized certificate of your adoption, a photo of “your” monkey, information about “your” monkey’s history, and regular news about your monkey’s well-being. You may also be able to see the monkey when the sanctuary is open to visitors, if you live near it. If you don't live nearby, you may have virtual access to your monkey online.

Opt for another pet. There are loads of other animals who will be just as fun and affectionate (if not more so) as a monkey—and they’d likely be lower-maintenance and easier to obtain. Why not get a ferret, a dog, a cat, or a rabbit? Or why not have a baby, since it’s basically the same thing as a monkey? We kid, we kid…unless? ????