Should Primates be Kept as Pets?

Apparently, now in the UK, it is not required to have a licence to keep some species of primates. These include Capuchins, Squirrel Monkeys and Tamarins. Granted these are some of the smallest of the primates and you would think would be relatively easy to care for. But, does that make it a good idea?

These species do have very sharp teeth and extremely dexterous hands which effectively adds to the danger level. They are also highly intelligent as you would expect. I would prefer that these primates would need a licence to keep but be not allowed to be kept as pets by individuals.

Some species do require a special permit if they are used for commercial purposes.

Image thanks to Pixabay  

• Primates require a lot of space in order to exercise, forage and to keep stimulated. They need a specialist diet according to their species and constant social interactions with members of their own kind.
• It is all too easy to not provide the best care whatever the good intentions are and this can result in unhappy, unbalanced animals with sharp teeth and wit.
• Small primates are not easy to care for despite what is reported. Our cultivated fruits often have a higher sugar content than what these small monkeys would eat in the wild. This can lead to health problems such as diabetes. If the monkey is kept indoors and has restricted time spent outside then deficiencies of vitamin D can occur.
• Baby animals of any species are notoriously cute but this can all change as they grow up. The small monkeys often stay just as cute but their temperament and behaviour can change dramatically. Ignorance about these changes and how to deal with them can lead to isolation and neglect.
• Transmission of Diseases including those passed on from us to them, of which they do not have immunity from.

A mori poll carried out in 2005 for the IFAW resulted in 79% agreeing that it should be illegal to keep monkeys as pets.

As long as the monkey is bred in captivity then it can be sold on privately.

There have been many cases of these monkeys being rescued from appalling conditions in private residence. 

A pair of Capuchins can cost between £6,500 and £13,000, £1300 for a marmoset, £2700 for a squirrel monkey. 

Not a decision to be made lightly!

Primates are often kept in cupboards or cages which are not suitable for them. This leads to behaviours such as pacing up and down, over-grooming, plucking out of fur and biting off their tails.

Signs of neglect are obvious and include weight issues, dehydration, boredom, health conditions due to poor feeding and anti-social behaviour. Dental problems, broken digits and blood disorders are also common.

Neglect in seeking treatment for medical conditions or injuries.

So, the thing to do would be to think again if you ever thought that keeping a primate as a pet would be a good idea!