Do Monkeys Make Good Pets?

Spider Monkeys, Marmosets and Pet Squirrel Monkey Care

Aug 11, 2009 Fleur Hupston

Adorable as they are, monkeys are exotic, wild animals. Out of their natural environment, they require specialized care and taking care of them is a big responsibility.

The natural habitat of monkeys is the tropical rain forests of South America or the bushveld of Africa, among other places.

Despite the fact that it is illegal to remove monkeys from the wild in most countries, the illegal trade in monkeys to sell as pets remains. For this reason, as well as reasons such as deforestation, many monkeys are on the critically endangered list. It is now illegal to take marmosets and other primates from the wild for the purpose of selling them as pets.

Pet Monkeys – What to Consider

Monkeys cannot be expected to be “well-behaved”. Designed to jump about and swing in a jungle habitat, they will become bored and unhappy if confined to a small cage. It is a must to provide a play area or a tall outdoor enclosure in which they can climb high, the way they would in the wild.

Monkeys are happy only when they can fulfill their social and emotional needs. They need other social animals like them, they need to feel loved and protected and generally long for genuine affection. It is a mistake to think of them as cats, dogs or hamsters.

Monkeys have complex emotional needs, a high level of intelligence and are likely to live a long life (between 15 to 25 years or longer). They feel the need to spend their time with their "own kind" rather than humans. They can become aggressive and moody especially when they feel threatened or reach sexual maturity. They also relieve themselves wherever they want, can unlock doors and windows and destroy furnishings.

Primates require specialized care, including specific diets. Pet owners need to think about finding veterinarians who are qualified and willing to care for these exotic animals.

Where Many Pet Monkeys End Up

Once the cute baby stage is over and the monkey grows up into a demanding and sometimes aggressive adult, many pet owners find that eventually the stress, constant care, risk of injury from bites and expensive dietary requirements are too much for them. Some become brutal in their attempts to control the monkey and others just want to get rid of the animal.

Options are limited- most zoos will not take pets. The fortunate monkeys end up in sanctuaries, others get confined in small cages, sold for research or to pitiful roadside menageries or put back into the cycle of breeding and adding to the exotic animal trade.

Buying a Pet Monkey

For those willing to make the commitment of parenting a marmoset, squirrel monkey or other species of monkey, a careful online search will reveal reputable breeders or sanctuaries where pet monkeys may be purchased. A good breeder should be able to offer comprehensive information on costs, vet costs, dietary requirements and permits and laws governing primate ownership.