Monkeys are exotic, intelligent animals that some people consider keeping as pets. In recent years, owning a pet monkey has become trendy among certain celebrities, raising interest in primates as unconventional companion animals.
However, rules and regulations surrounding private monkey ownership vary greatly depending on where you live. So what’s the deal with owning a pet monkey in the Sunshine State? Let’s take a closer look.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: It is illegal to own monkeys and other non-human primates as pets in the state of Florida. Exceptions exist only for certain training, exhibition, and educational purposes under strict permitting guidelines.
Laws Prohibiting Monkey Ownership in Florida
Florida Statutes Ban Keeping Non-Human Primates as Pets
Florida has some of the strictest laws in the nation regarding the private possession of non-human primates. According to the Florida Statutes, it is “unlawful for any person, party, firm, association, or corporation, to have in its possession any baboon, chimpanzee, orangutan, or gorilla.”
This effectively bans the keeping of apes and Old World monkeys as pets in the state.
The law specifically prohibits the acquisition and personal possession of monkeys from the families Pongidae (great apes), Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys), and Atelidae (howler and spider monkeys). Violators may face civil penalties of up to $500 as well as seizure or quarantine of the animal.
Florida first enacted laws banning monkey possession in 1977 due to potential public health and safety risks from these wild animals. Non-human primates can transmit dangerous diseases to humans that prove fatal in some cases, such as Herpes B virus.
Exceptions for Trained Monkeys Under Permitting System
There is an exception in the Florida statutes allowing certain trained monkeys to be possessed under the state’s permitting system. People with disabilities may apply for a Class III wildlife permit to keep a capuchin, macaque, or marmoset monkey to assist them with daily tasks.
To qualify for such a permit, the disabled person must provide documentation from a physician that they need the monkey for assistance. They must also be able to prove they can properly care for the monkey, have not violated state wildlife regulations, and have adequate caging facilities.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes less than 100 disabled people in the state currently possess helper monkeys under permit. These monkeys must be obtained from legal and regulated sources as infants, not captured from the wild.
They go through several years of special training to become assistance animals.
So while Florida has strict general prohibitions on keeping monkeys as pets, there is an avenue for some disabled residents to utilize capuchin, macaque, or marmoset monkeys as trained service animals under permitting.
But the average person cannot legally own an ape, monkey, or other non-human primate for personal use in Florida.
Health and Safety Issues With Pet Monkeys
Disease Risks to Humans
Pet monkeys can potentially spread dangerous diseases to their human owners, families, and communities. Non-human primates like monkeys can carry viruses, bacteria, and parasites that do not make them sick but can be very harmful if transmitted to people.
Herpes B virus is one concerning example – most macaque monkeys are infected with this virus, which is harmless to them, but can be fatal in up to 70% of human cases if untreated. Tuberculosis, salmonella, dengue fever, and parasitic worms are other risks.
According to the CDC, there have been outbreaks of human disease linked to pet primates in the past. While good hygiene and veterinary care reduce risks, disease transmission remains an ongoing public health concern associated with private primate ownership.
Potential for Aggressive Behavior
Pet monkeys often exhibit aggressive and unpredictable behavior as they reach sexual maturity. Wild animals retain their natural instincts and needs, even if raised in captivity. Certain species are known for increased aggression – for example, male macaques tend to become more hostile as they mature.
Well-meaning owners can be seriously injured when pet monkeys bite, scratch, or attack them or guests in the home. In 2020 alone, two cases of pet monkeys attacking individuals in the United States made headlines.
While steps can be taken to encourage good behavior in primates, ultimately their wild nature cannot be entirely eliminated through training.
Difficulty Meeting Complex Needs in Captivity
It is challenging for the average pet owner to properly care for a primate’s complex social, dietary, and environmental needs in a home setting. Monkeys are highly intelligent, social animals adapted to life in large troops in nature.
When these needs are not met in captivity, monkeys often develop neurotic behavior patterns and self-harm tendencies. They require specialized diets, enrichment activities, veterinary care, and large, secure housing customized to their species.
Even experienced primate owners struggle to adequately simulate a natural environment. Well-intentioned caregivers can face animal welfare issues when an exotic pet’s fundamental needs are not fulfilled.
Better Alternatives to Keeping a Pet Monkey
Owning a pet monkey may seem exciting, but primates require specialized care and attention that is difficult for the average person to provide. Here are some better alternatives to keeping a pet monkey in Florida.
Consider an Animal Less Demanding Than a Primate
Primates like monkeys are highly intelligent, social animals that need constant stimulation and interaction. They can become depressed or develop behavioral issues if their complex needs are not met. Instead of a monkey, think about getting a more suitable pet that is easier to care for, like a dog, cat, bird, reptile, or rodent.
Dogs and cats make wonderful pets for many people. They require daily walks, playtime, affection, and proper nutrition. Birds, certain lizards, snakes, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits can also be very rewarding companion animals.
Just make sure to research the specific needs of the pet you are considering.
Support Ethical Primate Sanctuaries Instead of the Exotic Pet Trade
If you love primates, there are ways to support them without removing them from their natural habitats to live in your home. Consider sponsoring or volunteering with reputable primate sanctuaries in Florida that provide a safe, enriching environment for monkeys and apes.
Some excellent ethical sanctuaries in Florida include:
– Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville (https://www.junglefriends.org/)
– Simian Sanctuary NW in Wauchula (https://www.simiansanctuarynw.org/)
– The Monkey Sanctuary in Punta Gorda (https://themonkeysanctuary.org/)
By supporting these sanctuaries through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, you can help provide monkeys and apes with the specialized, lifelong care they need without removing them from their social groups.
Owning a pet monkey may not be in the animal’s best interest. With some creativity, you can find rewarding ways to positively interact with wildlife that don’t support the exotic pet trade.
Conclusion
While the idea of keeping an adorable monkey as a pet may seem appealing, laws prohibiting private ownership of primates serve important public health and safety purposes. Monkeys have highly complex needs that the average owner cannot adequately meet.
For these reasons, it’s best to steer clear of the exotic pet trade and direct your interest in monkeys in more ethical ways, like supporting primate conservation efforts or reputable sanctuaries. Focus your search for an unconventional companion animal on more suitable domesticated pets better adapted to life with humans.
