The United States has a vigorous trade
in pet monkeys. Although importation of monkeys for
the pet trade was banned in 1975, thousands of monkeys
are being sold annually. It is impossible to provide
exact statistics, as the US government does not maintain
a database on pet monkeys because the trade is not
fully monitored by any single government agency.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service only
deals with endangered species, and the US Department
of Agriculture only deals with commercial breeders
shipping animals between US states.
The source of some of the monkeys is
the wild. Animal dealers have been caught smuggling
monkeys across the long and porous Mexico-US border,
and some monkeys are smuggled into the US in ingenious
ways. In December 2002 a man arriving in Los Angeles
on a flight from Thailand was caught with two smuggled
monkeys in his pants.
Dealers in research monkeys import thousands
of animals for sale to laboratories. There are no
confirmed reports of these facilities leaking monkeys
into the pet trade.
By far the biggest source of pet monkeys
is the breeder/dealer industry. Breeders collect large
colonies of monkeys and, when babies are born, the
babies are “pulled” and sold for several
thousand dollars each.
Some primate species are, on paper,
protected from interstate trade by the US Endangered
Species Act. These are the species officially classified
as “Endangered,” including gibbons, lemurs,
Diana monkeys, and cottontop tamarins. Yet all these
species show up at “primate parties” where
monkey pet owners get together.
The Internet has greatly facilitated
the interstate sale of monkeys. People with no knowledge
of monkeys and no qualifications to care for them
can pay $3,000 to$35,000 and buy a monkey or an ape.
And people do buy them, even though there are many
dishonest "scammers" who cheat people wanting
a pet monkey, taking their money but never delivering
the animal ordered. Sometimes an adult animal is delivered
instead of a baby.
Chimpanzees are split-listed on the
US Endangered Species Act and can be freely sold interstate.
Only chimpanzees living outside the United States
are subject to import/export restrictions. Chimps
sell for $30,000 or more each.
Primates are wild animals and do not
belong in peoples' homes. As infants, they are “cute
and cuddly,” but infancy lasts for only a tiny
fraction of a monkey’s life. So why would anyone
want to purchase a baby monkey kidnapped from his/her
mother?
Notices from one of the many electronic
bulletin boards suggest several reasons and also show
how monkeys can become “throwaway” pets
like cats and dogs. We have corrected grammar and
spelling mistakes to make the notices easier to read.
Monkeys as substitute children
Monkeys are wild animals. It is sometimes
hard to fathom why anyone would want one. Some people
want a "status symbol" pet that they can
parade around in public to get attention. This is
stressful to monkeys and can lead to people getting
bitten. Monkeys can infect humans with numerous ailments
that they can harbor--and vice versa.
It is clear from the monkey bulletin
boards that many people also see pet monkeys as substitutes
for human babies. There are many similarities at birth,
but grown-up monkeys become independent and often
attack their "owners."
Looking for a baby or young capuchin.
My husband and I are unable to have children, and
after long and in-depth conversations concerning it
feel we are more than ready to make a monkey part
of our loving family. Hoping not to exceed the price
of $4,500. Please help us make our family complete!
*****
I have some questions for you. If
you could possibly find time to respond, I would be
very happy. I am 25 years old and married. Since the
birth of our son three years ago, we knew we had the
room in our hearts for another baby. We've been trying,
but seem unable to accomplish anything more than becoming
devastated each month. So, we started researching
baby monkeys. I don't remember how or when exactly
we started searching, but we finally decided to try
it. We've narrowed it down to the child-like faced
capuchins, and the sweet little marmosets. I know
we would be able to provide a loving home, filled
with nurturing; the problem we've encountered now
is their price. Are only rich people meant to have
these adorable babies?
*****
Looking for a baby spider monkey
around 2 months of age. Cannot have children of my
own so I'm wanting to raise a spider monkey. Willing
to pay up to $4,500.
*****
I have been watching Animal Planet
and see how a white throated capuchin can take the
place of a child. My husband and I can't have children.
I couldn't take care of a human baby as I have a very
bad back and cannot lift over five pounds. My life
at home is pretty boring as husband works all the
time. I need the companionship of a capuchin monkey.
They are little darlings.
*****
I would love to give a baby or an
adult capuchin a loving and safe home for the rest
of its life. Would be well cared for and treated like
a real baby. Even have its own Christmas stocking
and presents.
Monkey fashions
Owners of pet monkeys often dress their
“babies” in human clothing and sometimes
call them “monkids.” This is insulting to
the natural identity of these animals, treating the
unfortunate animals as human playthings.
I am interested in sewing outfits
for small capuchin monkeys. Are they all running around
nude??? I am an experienced seamstress and my doll-sized
clothes seem to fit these cute little guys. I now
have one regular customer. Anyone interested please
e-mail me.
*****
Monkey clothes for sale, still look
brand new as our baby grew so fast! We have overalls,
pants, shirts, shorts and diaper covers they look
great and have no fading to them! All clothes can
be mixed and matched for easy dressing! Please e-mail
for prices. Very durable by a super great seamstress!
*****
Harness and leash for marmosets and
tamarins; also diapers and sleeping tubes for marmosets
and tamarins.
Looking for surrogate friends
People interested in acquiring pet primates
often seem to expect the animals to take the place
of human friendship.
After reading this message board,
I realized that no one has said anything about the
most famous, and my favorite monkey; a chimpanzee.
Is it illegal to own one? Because I am looking to
buy. I will give it all the love I can because I have
wanted one my whole life.
*****
Hi, I am 11 years old. I'm looking
for a capuchin monkey. Don't have much money. Very
good home. Willing to come and get it. Looking for
a best friend.
*****
My family had a little squirrel monkey
named Jeepers when I was a child. I'm 46 now and looking
for another little friend of my own. Although I've
been a teacher for seventeen years, I used to be a
certified MIG/TIG welder, and I'm currently constructing
a 3' X 5' X 6' monkey habitat. It will be quite luxurious
-- a primate Hilton.
Disillusionment -- behavior issues,
bites, and vet bills
Pet monkey owners are eager to handle
monkeys. While most facilities caring for primates
have animals living in groups, and are required by
law to provide environmental enrichment, the law does
not apply to pet monkey owners. Some primate bulletin
boards recommend housing monkeys in boring environments
so that they will accept human company.
As they grow older, monkeys tend to
become independent and aggressive. Some owners remove
all or some of their monkey's teeth in the hope of
minimizing the injuries caused by bites, or desex
their pet primates in a futile attempt to modify their
temperament. Another difficulty often unforeseen by
monkey owners is finding reasonable health care for
their "pets." Very few veterinarians will
treat pet monkeys. On many monkey lists there are
complaints about the prices charged by vets and the
distance people must travel to locate a veterinarian
willing and able to treat primates.
I think my big mistake was I didn't
know what kind of monkey did I want. A PET or something
to look at like fish. [On] all the web sites I read
about a monkey being a pet. You wanted his cage to
be small and very uninteresting, so that he would
want to get out of his cage so you can teach him to
be held. Well, my monkey wants to stay in his cage
all day and night now. I put too many things inside
the cage for him. A mistake I will have to learn from.
*****
By the way it's very seldom that
a monk does not turn to aggressive behavior after
reaching maturity. They bite a lot when babies because
they are scared, but bite hard, deep and often attack
on a whim when older! Especially if you are making
them do something they don't want. Which is the reason
many monks are so often sold again around four years
when most monks mature. Yes, I still miss the end
of my finger...severe nerve damage left it completely
numb, and that was just a deep gash from a squirrel
monk. Li'l stinker!!! Which I couldn't get the surgery
I needed to repair it, because the doctor has to report
it, and often the monk is confiscated for biting and
put to death to check for rabies, especially since
it was not my monk. Know what you are getting into
before you buy!
*****
I lucked out, my primate vet IS down
the street, literally -- 1/4 mile, but he is SOOOO
expensive. USDA vet check-up last year was $60; now
it's over $250, and that is just to look around, play
with the animal, and sign a piece of paper. Does not
even include any type of checkup on any animals.
Getting rid of pet monkeys
People working at traditional dog and
cat SPCAs are frustrated by people who "dump"
their family pets when they move or when the animal
becomes an inconvenience, often due to behavioral
problems.
The same is the case with monkeys. Usually
"owners" get rid of monkeys when they are
4 to 8 years old. This is a major problem for pet
monkeys. The few existing sanctuaries are crowded,
yet they are offered more and more monkeys. Very few
former “owners” who have bought baby primates
provide donations for lifetime care of their once
cherished pet, after they have ruined the animal’s
life for their selfish gratification.
Moving and unable to bring along our guenons. Would
like a nice family to adopt our kids. Guenon Mona
female is eight years old and as sweet as can be.
Guenon Vervet male has an attitude but tends to listen
mostly to Adult Males. He is also eight years old.
*****
We have a Male Common Marmoset. His
name is Gizmo. We have had him for six months now.
He has been to the vet once since we have had him.
The vet said he was a healthy 3 year old. We are sad
to see him go but the wife wants the room so she can
start breeding sugar gliders. We are asking $2,200
dollars US.
*****
I have 4 monkeys for sale. These
kids have been a part of my family for years, and
new job does not allow me to give them the time they
need. You will not be able to handle any of these
kids. They have all bitten and will bite again if
given the chance.
*****
We have a female bonnet for sale.
She is very sweet, but does not want you to hold her.
She is 5 years old. Also she might be bred, we got
her in with the male. Asking $3,000.00.
*****
I have a male spider monkey for sale.
He is 6 years old and tame, but does not like to be
held. He can wear diapers, and he is not neutered.
Would do great with other monkeys.
*****
I am USDA [US Department of Agriculture
licensed] and live in Texas and I have a black and
white female capuchin for sale. She is 8 months and
I need to sell her quick. Money problems force me
to sell her. I will bring it to you most of the time
-- it depends where you live. But need to be paid
because I am not flying somewhere and find you are
pulling my chain or don't have the money. Have done
that once and once is enough. I am only asking $4,000.
Taking responsibility for a living primate
is a commitment that can last for decades, not something
to be done lightly. Pet monkey "owners"
would be doing more for the primates they profess
to love if they spent their money and energies on
protecting primate species in the wild -- where they
belong.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
• NEVER
buy monkeys or any other wild animals as pets.
• ENCOURAGE your friends not to
buy monkeys or any wild pets.
• DO NOT give positive reinforcement
to owners of pet monkeys.
• REPORT any mistreatment to your
local SPCA.
• IF YOU SEE A MONKEY FOR SALE IN
A PET SHOP, write down the 0
name of the shop and address and let
IPPL know.
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