Content
- Is it allowed to have a pet monkey?
- health risks
- The Breeding of Captive Monkeys and Its Effects on Behavior
- How much does a monkey cost?
- Necessary care with monkeys
- monkey socialization
We popularly use the term "monkey" to refer to more than 250 species of non-human primates (apes). Among the best known are chimpanzees, gorillas, tamarins and orangutans. The exotic beauty of these species and their physical and behavioral similarities to humans make many people want to adopt a monkey as a pet and raise it in captivity. However, the most are unaware of the risks of this practice.
If you're wondering if it's a good idea to have a pet monkey, know that monkeys are wild animals adapted to life in nature, where they find the ideal conditions for their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. In addition, the captive breeding of some species of monkeys is legally prohibited in many countries. even to combat the trade in exotic pets.
Monkey As A Pet - Is It Possible? We'll explain in this PeritoAnimal article why you should never have a monkey as a pet.
Is it allowed to have a pet monkey?
Yes, in Brazil it is allowed to have a monkey as a pet, although this practice is not recommended for a number of reasons that we will explain in this article. According to the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), in Brazil only it is allowed to acquire captive-born monkeys if authorized.that of the environmental secretariat of the respective state. IBAMA also requires the farm to issue, for the sale of the animal, the Certificate of Origin, a document that proves the primate's legal origin.
It is worth noting that monkeys are protected by the CITES convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), a convention created by the UN to regulate trade and fight illegal animal trafficking. However, each country may have its own legislation regarding the domestic reproduction of exotic or invasive species.
In countries like Chile, keeping a pet monkey is illegal and owners can suffer severe economic penalties.However, in Spain it is possible to adopt a monkey, but the legal origin of the animal must be demonstrated with proper documentation.
Obviously, adopting a monkey of unknown origin, whether through illegal internet sites, is not recommended in any country. Most of these animals are hunted, suddenly removed from their habitat and community, and imprisoned in deplorable conditions until resold in the illegal animal trafficking market. Also, by adopting a monkey of unknown origin, we indirectly contribute to the promotion of animal trafficking.
Why is having a monkey as a pet illegal in so many places? Basically, to protect the monkeys themselves from the abusive practices that are common in the illegal market of buying and selling wild animals, as well as the mistreatment, improper care and abandonment who often suffer when adopted by people who are unaware of the specific needs of apes.
health risks
Monkeys (especially those of unknown origin) can transmit zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, tuberculosis, herpes, hepatitis B and candidiasis, through bites or scratches. Zoonoses are those pathologies that can be transmitted between different species. In addition, some species of monkeys are vulnerable to the development of allergies and skin infections, mainly caused by bacteria and fungi.
On the other hand, some diseases common to us can seriously affect the health of monkeys. Especially if this animal does not receive a balanced diet and the necessary care to strengthen its immune system.
The Breeding of Captive Monkeys and Its Effects on Behavior
Monkeys are animals too active, intelligent, curious and sociable, so they need to constantly exercise their body and mind to stay healthy. Even when guardians have plenty of space and provide outdoor environments, most adopted pet monkeys end up developing symptoms of stress or boredom.
Like cats and dogs, monkeys tend to have behavior problems associated with stress and show a marked increase in their aggressiveness from puberty onwards. In addition, as they need to interact to develop their social skills, captive born or bred monkeys can also become aggressive as adults, develop destructive behaviors when locked or left alone at home for many hours and even develop stereotypies, repetitive movements and constants with no apparent purpose.
How much does a monkey cost?
According to reports published in recent years, buying a monkey in Brazil, legally, costs between R$50,000 and R$70,000 reais. The search for pet capuchin monkeys grew in the country after the disclosure that some Brazilian and other international artists had a pet monkey.
Necessary care with monkeys
People who decide to have a pet monkey should be aware that these animals require very specific care in order for them to develop in a healthy way in captivity.
First of all, the ideal is to recreate the natural habitat of each species to provide the best conditions for their physical and mental development. Zoos, for example, try to condition the monkeys' space with lots of trees, rocks, dirt, grass, etc. Now, imagine the difficulty of reproducing this wild environment in our home. And the truth is, even if you have a lot of space and dedicate yourself to carefully conditioning it, this entire structure will remain an artificial replica that will never fully capture the essence of nature.
Like all animals, monkeys will need complete and balanced nutrition to maintain their good health and fully develop. In their natural habitat, monkeys generally maintain a very varied, fresh and natural diet. This means that providing a good diet for a domestic monkey takes time, dedication and a good investment in fresh, organic produce. In addition to fruits and vegetables, which you must prepare carefully, you must also offer insects at certain times of the year.
Also, to keep a monkey as a pet, you will have to pay close attention to its mental stimulation. Monkeys are highly intelligent and sensitive animals, so they need to work on their cognitive and emotional skills to stay healthy, happy and active. As we've already mentioned, a sedentary or bored monkey can suffer from stress and develop numerous behavioral problems. These animals must enjoy at least several enrichment sessions and games per day.
monkey socialization
Another important concern when caring for a pet monkey is that it will be essential to meet their social needs, providing moments of interaction, entertainment and affection. And most of us don't have a lot of time to devote even our own social lives. Therefore, many captive-bred monkeys can present depression symptoms and even become aggressive towards people and other animals. Remember these are very social individuals who live in large groups.
We must also not forget that monkeys will need specialized medical care, which is not easily found in any city. It is also worth remembering that monkeys will also need attention to internal and external deworming to prevent infestation by endo or ectoparasites.
Unfortunately, many people adopt a pet monkey without understanding its specific needs. And that's why so many "house monkeys" end up in zoos when they're not abandoned somewhere far away from the city.
In addition to the high costs and a great need for specific care with a pet monkey, it is worth noting that a capuchin monkey, for example, can live up to 20 years in captivity. Which means that you need to think carefully before adopting an animal like this.
And now that you know everything about the monkey as a pet, you might be interested in this video where we show that the monkey is one of the species that has traveled to space. Check out:
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