If you are thinking about getting a pet monkey, it's important to know why they don't make good pets. Here are some reasons to consider:
Illegal in many countries: Keeping a monkey might be against the law in your country, and you could face fines, imprisonment, or lose your pet. Isolation: Monkeys naturally want to be in charge, so they may bond with one person and see others as enemies. This can lead to attacks, leaving you isolated from family and friends. Expensive to care for: Monkeys need a special diet, housing, and enrichment, which can be costly and time-consuming. They often develop health issues like diabetes, which is hard and expensive to treat. Social needs: Monkeys need to be with their own kind for proper psychological and emotional development. Humans can't replace a real monkey mum's care, causing lasting psychological damage. Dietary Challenges: Captive primates have intricate diets that are challenging to replicate. Some require special leaves, flowers, and tree sap. Failure to provide the correct nutrients can lead to illnesses or deformities and resulting in a lot of suffering and possible death. |
Babies are taken from their mums: Baby monkeys are taken away from their mothers when they are very young, causing distress for both the baby and the mother, who will go through this over and over if bred repeatedly. But most mothers get killed first in front of their family and infant, before the baby is taken.
Behaviour changes: While cute as babies, monkeys become unpredictable and aggressive around age 3. They may bite and scratch, and training won't change their wild instincts. Monkeys live a long time, up to 20-40 years, making it challenging to care for an aggressive animal. Home destruction: Monkeys can make your home messy and smelly by throwing feces and urine, and even using them for "poop painting." Diapers aren't a good solution and can harm the monkey. Health risks: Monkeys can carry diseases that are harmful to humans. Even if they seem healthy, bites, scratches, saliva, faeces or urine can transfer these diseases. Supporting a harmful trade: Buying a monkey supports a cycle of breeding and poaching, contributing to a sad and abusive industry. Unsuitable for Release: Releasing the monkey into its natural habitat isn't a viable solution when things become overwhelming. Humanizing the monkey means it lacks the skills to forage for food and survive in the wild. Sanctuary Challenges: Bringing the monkey to a sanctuary is not a straightforward option. Re-wilding a pet monkey takes years for rehabilitators due to the challenges imposed by its previous domestication, all because it was initially kept by YOU as a pet. |
Think twice before getting a pet monkey; it's a selfish act. Monkeys aren't meant to be pets; it's better to observe and enjoy them from a distance, in the wild where they belong.
If you come across people selling or keeping monkeys in captivity, please report it to the wildlife authority in your country.
If you come across people selling or keeping monkeys in captivity, please report it to the wildlife authority in your country.
Source: primaterescue.org
Images: monkeyguarding
Images: monkeyguarding