Primates as pets

Many primates (monkeys and lemurs) come to us from poor living situations, where people simply did not know what they were in for when purchasing such an animal. Due to their social and cognitive needs, it is very difficult to keep a primate happy in captivity.

They need constant interaction and enrichment, and do not make good pets due to their dangerous disposition and this difficulty in meeting their needs. This is true for both household ownership and many unregulated roadside zoos.

Therefore, these situations often end up with poor welfare for the monkey, and sometimes the owners too.

We try to educate the public about the intensive requirements to maintain high standards of primate welfare, and create awareness that we exist in case potential primate owners encounter difficulties with their care.

For more information see the Primate Info Net fact sheet on Primates as Pets.

What do you feed a primate?

• In the wild, primates are foragers. They have highly specialized and diverse dietary requirements depending on the species. In captivity, there are a number of companies which formulate a primate chow with the right balance of nutrients for the species – which zoos will often purchase or make. However, there is no substitute for fresh fruits and veggies!
• Our monkeys get fed primate chow ad libitum (free choice, always available), and get a large dinner every evening which is varied on a daily basis. This will include an assortment of leafy greens, peppers, other vegetables, fruits of all kinds, some grains, nuts and seeds – and the occasional treat or dessert.
• Lemurs and marmosets tend to be primarily frugivores (fruit-eaters) and granivores (seed-eaters), whereas the larger monkeys enjoy a more varied diet.
• Most primates naturally have primarily vegetarian diets, although some (such as baboons and chimpanzees) have been known to hunt in the wild as well.