Ever watched a monkey swing through trees and thought, “I want one as a pet?”
Many people find these intelligent creatures fascinating and dream of bringing one home.
However, owning a monkey involves far more responsibility and challenges than most realize.
Understanding the reality behind this decision is crucial before making such a life-changing commitment.
This article is for informational purposes only.
Always consult local laws, wildlife experts, and veterinarians before considering exotic pet ownership.
Legal Restrictions Are Significant
Owning a monkey is illegal in many places across Canada and around the world.
Provincial laws vary widely, with some regions banning primate ownership entirely while others require special permits.
Breaking these laws can result in hefty fines, criminal charges, and the removal of your animal.
Research your local regulations thoroughly before even considering this option.
Financial Costs Are Enormous
Purchasing a monkey can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $50,000 depending on the species.
But the initial price is just the beginning of your expenses.
Specialized veterinary care, custom enclosures, enrichment toys, and a proper diet add up quickly.
Expect to spend thousands of dollars annually, making this one of the most expensive pet choices imaginable.
Aggressive Behavior Develops With Maturity
Baby monkeys may seem adorable and manageable, but maturity changes everything.
When they reach sexual maturity, typically between three and five years old, hormones trigger aggressive tendencies.
Biting, scratching, and territorial behavior become common, even toward owners they once trusted.
This transformation makes them dangerous and nearly impossible to handle safely at home.
Social Needs Cannot Be Met
Monkeys are highly social animals that naturally live in complex family groups.
Isolating them in a human home causes severe psychological distress and abnormal behaviors.
No amount of human interaction can replace the companionship of their own species.
Depression, self-harm, and neurotic patterns often develop in captive primates, leading to a miserable existence for the animal.
Disease Transmission Poses Real Risks
Monkeys carry numerous diseases that can transfer to humans, including herpes B virus, tuberculosis, and various parasites.
Herpes B, while rare, can be fatal to humans.
Their unpredictable nature makes bites and scratches common, increasing exposure risks.
Even with vaccinations and regular vet checkups, the health dangers remain significant for both the animal and your family.
Specialized Diet Requirements Are Complex
Feeding a monkey properly requires extensive knowledge and constant effort.
Different species need specific combinations of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and supplements to stay healthy.
Simple mistakes in their diet lead to serious health problems like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic bone disease.
Most pet owners lack the expertise to meet these demanding nutritional needs consistently.
Housing Demands Are Impractical
Monkeys require massive, specially designed enclosures that most homes simply cannot accommodate.
They need vertical space for climbing, branches for swinging, and environmental enrichment to prevent boredom.
Keeping them in small cages causes physical and mental decline.
Building and maintaining an appropriate habitat is expensive, labor intensive, and often violates residential zoning laws in urban areas.
Lifetime Commitment Spans Decades
Many monkey species live 20 to 40 years in captivity, making this an incredibly long commitment.
Unlike traditional pets, finding someone to adopt or care for a monkey is nearly impossible.
Sanctuaries rarely accept privately owned primates due to space limitations.
You could be responsible for this demanding, expensive, and potentially dangerous animal for most of your adult life.
