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Have you ever dreamed of having a baby monkey as a pet, with its adorable little face and mischievous antics? While it may seem like a fascinating idea, owning a baby monkey requires a significant amount of knowledge, responsibility, and commitment. To legally own a baby monkey, it is advisable to research the laws and regulations specific to your jurisdiction. In some countries, like the United States, ownership of monkeys may be restricted or prohibited altogether, depending on the species.
Wellness exams and preventative care are extremely important for pet monkeys. Primates are susceptible to many contagious diseases, intestinal parasites, and dental problems. direct and indirect bills Regular vet visits (at least annually) allow early detection and treatment of any issues.
Rotate novel objects like empty boxes, plastic bottles, paper towel tubes, and toilet paper rolls to pique their curiosity. Social enrichment is also vital, so house monkeys in compatible pairs or groups whenever possible. Leaving a monkey alone and unsupervised for any period almost guarantees property destruction. Restrictions apply to how the monkeys are acquired, transported, housed, handled, and maintained.
Owning a monkey can be an expensive endeavor, with costs adding up for food, housing, vet care, and other essentials. Here’s a look at what you might expect to budget for your monkey companion each month. Squirrel monkeys are energetic, acrobatic primates native to Central and South America. These tiny monkeys typically cost $4,000-$6,500 for babies and $8,000+ for adults over 5 years old.
Alternatives to Having a Monkey as a Pet
Other potential costs include damage-proofing your home, exotic pet sitting fees while traveling, waste removal services, permits and insurance. Along with marmosets, tamarins are small primates native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Tamarins range from $1,500 for young juveniles to $3,500+ for rare color morphs like red-handed tamarins. Sick monkeys or those with medical issues are cheaper, but have higher lifetime care costs. However, if you feel purchasing a baby monkey is a good choice for your family, then there is the option to buy one. However, it will cost you a pretty penny depending on the breed, age, and size of the primate you’re looking to buy.
- It is important to research and understand the legal requirements, as well as the ethical and practical considerations, before considering getting a baby monkey as a pet.
- Monkeys need lots of space to climb, swing, and engage in natural behaviors.
- An infected human may be asymptomatic or develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastro-intestinal symptoms.
- This dangerous virus can lead to severe brain damage or death if left untreated.
- Proper quarantines and medical care for pet monkeys is challenging and expensive.
- Some good complete diets for pet monkeys include Mazuri Primate Browse Biscuits, Zupreem Primate Dry Food, and Purina Primate Chow.
The Guide To Obtaining A Baby Monkey As A Pet: Tips And Considerations
While a “discount” monkey may seem tempting, it likely will incur more expenses down the road. They require a great deal of specialized care and constant attention because of their intelligence. If not given a proper environment to live in and mental and physical enrichment, they can quickly become aggressive and destructive.
As an alternative to buying a monkey, consider “adopting” one at your local zoo or rescue, or get a different, lower-maintenance animal to have as a pet. Providing proper housing for a pet monkey is critical for its health and happiness, but the expenses add up quickly. An outdoor enclosure should have strong fencing and measures to prevent digging and climbing, costing $2,000-$5,000 to construct properly.
My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. If you are prepared for the commitment and have the means to care for and purchase one, then having a pet monkey could be a rewarding experience. The initial price of purchasing your pet alone can run you between $1,500 to $50,000, depending on the monkey breed you go for. There are five species of squirrel monkeys, and like most monkeys, they require a lot of care and attention. This section will focus on the most popular types of monkeys kept as pets.
It is important to reassess your ability to meet their needs as they grow older and stronger. Many people are fascinated by the idea of owning a baby monkey as a pet. However, before considering getting a baby monkey as a pet, it is important to understand the legal regulations surrounding their ownership in your area. Tuberculosis is another contagious disease spread between non-human primates and humans.
Housing and Feeding Costs
Owning a pet monkey is an enormous commitment fraught with challenges and ethical dilemmas. The specific permits or licenses required to own a baby monkey can vary depending on the species and local regulations. Some states or municipalities may have additional restrictions or requirements beyond what the federal law mandates. It is crucial to research and comply with all applicable laws to avoid potential legal consequences and safeguard the well-being of both the monkey and the community.
Other Pets That Are Easier to Care For
A standard primate vitamin and mineral supplement helps fill any nutritional gaps. Many monkey owners also provide probiotics to support healthy gut flora. As pets, monkeys should be fed a balanced commercial primate diet made for their species and size. Primate owners should also keep basic first aid supplies on hand, as well as contact information for a specialized vet and local wildlife authorities. Common primate emergencies include trauma, difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe lethargy. Many zoos and universities have primate medical specialists on staff.
It is advised that you see pictures of the monkeys first and go pick up the monkey from the current owner. Here are a few websites to browse through to find the monkey for you, close to your home. My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially cats and dogs. I’ve got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years’ experience working in animal shelters and rescues.
Locating a veterinarian prior to attempting to bring a monkey home is critical. Monkeys may look cute, cuddly, and like the perfect pet, but beware! Baby monkeys can be exceptionally cute, but never forget that the baby will grow up. Adult monkeys may not be the companion you were hoping for, as they can be strong-willed and intelligent enough to get into trouble.
These animals take a lot of extra care and some jurisdictions don’t even allow owners to have them without special permits. It is worth noting that owning a baby monkey is a significant commitment that should not be taken lightly. They require a considerable amount of time, space, and financial resources to meet their needs adequately.