Quck answer
Monkeys should never be pets because:
1. They are wild animals and can become aggressive towards humans.
2. They require specialized care and a large amount of space to live in.
3. They can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
4. They have complex social structures and need to live with other monkeys.
5. They can live up to 40 years, which is a long-term commitment.
6. Keeping monkeys as pets contributes to the illegal wildlife trade and the exploitation of wild animals.
Wild Animals
Enbi, a four-year-old male orangutan, dressed in a Santa Claus outfit for a Christmas performance in Seoul, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Monkeys have always been fascinating creatures, capturing our attention and affection. From children’s books to television sitcoms, primates have been portrayed as cute and cuddly pets. However, owning a pet monkey is not a good idea. Here are some reasons why:
1. Legality and Liability
It is illegal to own a pet monkey in more than half of the United States. If you are caught with a pet monkey, it could be seized, and you could be fined thousands of dollars. Also, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover any damage caused by the monkey. In other countries, such as the U.K., you need a permit to own a pet monkey. The Primate Society of Great Britain opposes pet ownership of non-human primates, and there has been a push to ban owning primates altogether.
2. Behavioral Issues and Communication Challenges
Monkeys and humans communicate differently, and some primates may interpret non-verbal communication as a threat and become aggressive. Owning a pet monkey also means you can’t go on vacations, as finding someone to care for the monkey can be difficult.
Charla Nash, a woman who was attacked by a pet chimp in Connecticut in 2009 and had a face transplant, spoke at a press conference in 2014 advocating for changes in federal laws banning the interstate trade in primates. Leahy, an expert, warned against treating primates like pets, as they are wild animals and cannot conform to human society’s norms. Primates can be destructive, and their behavior can be unpredictable. Zoos and sanctuaries are professional settings where primates are kept in appropriate social groupings and provided with enrichments to keep them active and challenged. Captivity cannot meet the myriad needs of any primate species. Primates require spacious, natural habitat enclosures, adequate shade, water, and climbing structures, which many homeowners cannot provide. Household dangers, such as ingestion of cleaning products, strangulation, burning, and falling, could gravely injure a monkey.
Leahy, a spokesperson for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), warns against keeping monkeys as pets in residential areas. She cites data compiled by HSUS that indicates over 200 individuals have suffered injuries in “dangerous incidents” related to pet primates or private captivity since 1990. Escaped pet primates are at risk of being shot by authorities, while attacking humans may result in the pet being captured, tested for disease, and euthanized. Even in less extreme situations, monkeys can be a nuisance to neighbors due to their vocalizations and sensitivity to urban noise pollution.
Beyond the community risks, keeping primates as pets can have severe emotional and physical impacts on the animals. Primates removed from their mothers before weaning, as is common with pet monkeys, may develop lifelong behavioral abnormalities, also known as “stereotypies.” These purposeless, repetitive behaviors arise from mental distress and are exclusive to captive wild animals. Stereotypies can persist even after relocation to a sanctuary or zoo, where fights and injuries may occur among former pets and their species. The diet requirements of primates are also complex and costly, with pet monkeys often fed unhealthy snacks that can lead to diabetes. Finally, monkeys raised in unnatural environments by human owners may suffer from stunted growth and osteoporosis, among other physical ailments.
Tyson states that keeping monkeys as pets is cruel and will always cause suffering to the individual monkey, as a human home cannot provide a suitable environment for them to thrive. Monkeys can also carry diseases that are dangerous to humans, and pet owners are unlikely to take the necessary precautions to prevent disease transmission. Instead of owning a monkey as a pet, people can support primate sanctuaries that are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Born Free USA is one such sanctuary, and people can donate to their Feed a Monkey program or informally adopt one of the animals at their primate sanctuary. It’s important to note that wild monkeys do exist in the U.S., and they can carry a deadly strain of the herpes B virus.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keeping Monkeys as Pets
How much do pet monkeys cost?
The price of a monkey can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the monkey’s age, temperament, and rarity. However, it is important to note that owning a monkey is illegal in many parts of the world and the ethics of keeping them as pets are questionable. Generally, monkeys start at around $8,000 USD.
What types of monkeys are suitable as pets?
It is important to note that monkeys should not be kept as pets. Despite this, people often keep various species such as capuchins, chimpanzees, macaques, tamarins, squirrel monkeys, marmosets, and guenons as pets.
Which monkey species is the most calm?
Squirrel monkeys are known to be the most peaceful and calm primates.
What are the smallest monkey species?
The pygmy marmoset, which can be found in South America, is the smallest monkey species in the world. It weighs just a little over 100 grams.
In which US states is it legal to own a pet monkey?
Iowa, Ohio, Virginia, Arkansas, Nebraska, Montana, North and South Carolina, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Kansas have no restrictions on keeping monkeys as pets. However, it is important to research local laws and regulations before owning a monkey as a pet.
FAQ
1. Why is keeping monkeys as pets a bad idea?
Monkeys are wild animals, and they should be left to live in their natural habitat. They are not domesticated animals, and they cannot be trained to live in a human household. Monkeys can become aggressive and dangerous, especially as they grow older and become stronger. They also need a lot of space to climb and play, and pet owners may not be able to provide this in their homes.
2. What are some of the health risks associated with keeping monkeys as pets?
Monkeys can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as herpes B virus and tuberculosis. They can also carry parasites and bacteria that can cause serious health problems. Monkeys can also become stressed and depressed when kept in captivity, which can lead to behavioral problems and health issues.
3. Can monkeys be trained to behave like domesticated animals?
No, monkeys cannot be trained to behave like domesticated animals. They are wild animals with natural instincts and behaviors that cannot be suppressed or changed. Even if a monkey is raised from a young age in a human household, it will still exhibit wild behaviors and may become aggressive as it grows older.
4. What are some legal issues associated with keeping monkeys as pets?
In many states, it is illegal to keep monkeys as pets without a special permit. Even with a permit, pet owners may be required to meet certain criteria, such as providing a certain amount of space and veterinary care. Violating these laws can result in fines and legal consequences.
5. How does the pet trade contribute to the problem of monkey ownership?
The pet trade contributes to the problem of monkey ownership by making it easier for people to obtain them. Many pet stores and online retailers sell monkeys, which can encourage people to buy them without fully understanding the risks and responsibilities involved. The pet trade also contributes to the illegal capture and trafficking of monkeys, which can have devastating effects on wild populations.
6. What are some alternatives to keeping monkeys as pets?
Instead of keeping monkeys as pets, people can support conservation efforts to protect wild populations. They can also visit zoos and wildlife sanctuaries to learn about monkeys and other wild animals in a safe and educational environment. Additionally, people can adopt domesticated animals from shelters and rescue organizations.
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