Mar 23, 20236 min read

11 Exotic Monkey Breeds You Never Knew Could Be Kept as Pets - Are You Ready for a Wild Companion?

Exotic monkeys have long fascinated many people, with their unique appearance and complex behaviors making them intriguing animals to observe. While many exotic monkey species are found in their natural habitats in the wild, some people choose to keep them as pets.

Owning an exotic monkey can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of knowledge and understanding of their specific needs. There are many exotic monkey breeds, each with distinct characteristics and requirements.

One such breed is the Capuchin monkey, known for its intelligence and dexterity, making them popular subjects for scientific research. Another is the macaque monkey, which is highly intelligent and requires mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Other exotic monkey breeds include gibbons, lemurs, tarsiers, and squirrel monkeys.

However, it's essential to understand that owning an exotic monkey comes with legal and ethical considerations. Some monkey breeds are illegal to own in certain countries, and even in places where they are legal, there may be restrictions on ownership. It's also important to consider whether you can provide the proper care and environment that an exotic monkey requires to thrive in captivity.

This blog will explore some of the most popular exotic monkey breeds that people keep as pets. We will discuss their unique characteristics, dietary requirements, environmental needs, and the legal and ethical considerations of owning an exotic monkey. With this information, you will be better equipped to decide whether owning an exotic monkey is right for you.

Exotic Monkey Breeds That People Keep as Pets

Monkeys are fascinating animals that have long captured the attention and curiosity of humans. They are known for their intelligence, social nature, and mischievous antics, which make them popular pets among some people. However, not all monkey breeds make suitable pets, and some are illegal to own in certain countries. This blog will explore exotic monkey breeds that people keep as pets:

Capuchin Monkeys

Capuchin monkeys are perhaps the most famous Exotic monkey breed kept as pets. These small primates are intelligent and affectionate, making them great human companions. They are known for their playful nature and can learn various tricks and behaviors. Capuchin monkeys are native to Central and South America and have a lifespan of around 40 years.

However, owning a Capuchin monkey is not without its challenges. They require much attention, stimulation, and socialization, which can be time-consuming and expensive. They can also be mischievous and destructive, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of toys and enrichment activities to keep them entertained.

Marmoset Monkeys

Marmoset monkeys are another popular exotic monkey breed that people keep as pets. These tiny primates are native to South America and are known for their adorable appearance and playful nature. They are social animals and thrive in groups, so keeping them with at least one other marmoset is essential.

Marmoset monkeys are not as high-maintenance as other monkey breeds but require much attention and stimulation. They need a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, and plenty of toys and enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated.

Tamarin Monkeys

Tamarin monkeys are another small exotic monkey breed that some people keep as pets. These primates are native to Central and South America and are known for their long, slender fingers and toes. They are social animals and live in family groups in the wild, so keeping them with at least one other tamarin is essential.

Tamarin monkeys are not as commonly kept as pets as other exotic monkey breeds but can make good companions for the right person. They are playful and intelligent and require a lot of attention and enrichment activities to keep them happy and healthy.

Squirrel Monkeys

Squirrel monkeys are another exotic monkey breed that some people keep as pets. These primates are native to Central and South America and are known for their small size and playful demeanor. They are social animals and live in large groups in the wild, so keeping them with at least one other squirrel monkey is essential.

Squirrel monkeys are intelligent and curious animals that require a lot of stimulation and attention. They need a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, and plenty of toys and enrichment activities to keep them mentally and physically healthy.

Spider Monkeys

Spider monkeys are giant exotic monkey breeds that people keep as pets. These primates are native to Central and South America and are known for their long, slender limbs and prehensile tails. They are social animals and live in large groups in the wild, so it's essential to keep them with at least one other spider monkey.

Owning a spider monkey is not for everyone. These primates require a lot of space, stimulation, and attention, and they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or stressed. They also have specific dietary requirements that must be met to keep them healthy.

Macaque Monkeys

Macaque monkeys are medium-sized exotic monkey breeds that some people keep as pets. These primates are native to Asia and are known for their intelligence and ability to learn complex tasks. They are also known for their cheeky personalities and playful nature.

However, owning a macaque monkey is not without its challenges. These primates require much attention, stimulation, and socialization to thrive in captivity. They also have specific dietary requirements that must be met to keep them healthy, and they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or stressed.

Gibbons

Gibbons is an exotic monkey breed that some people keep as pets. These primates are native to Southeast Asia and are known for their long arms and agile movements. They are social animals and live in monogamous pairs in the wild, so keeping them with a mate is essential if they are kept as pets.

Gibbons require much attention, stimulation, and enrichment activities to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They also have specific dietary requirements that must be met to keep them in good condition. However, they are intelligent and affectionate animals that can make great companions for the right person.

Lemurs

Lemurs are a type of primate that is native to Madagascar. These exotic monkeys are known for their unique appearance and playful personalities. There are many different species of lemurs, each with specific needs and requirements.

Some species of lemurs are more commonly kept as pets than others, such as the ring-tailed lemur and the black and white ruffed lemur. However, owning a lemur is not for everyone. These primates require a lot of space, attention, and stimulation to thrive in captivity, and they have specific dietary requirements that must be met to keep them healthy.

Slow Lorises

Slow lorises are a type of primate that is native to Southeast Asia. These exotic monkeys are known for their big eyes and slow, deliberate movements. However, owning a slow loris as a pet is not recommended, as they are endangered and protected under international law.

In addition to their protected status, slow lorises also have specialized venom glands in their elbows that they use to defend themselves. This makes them potentially dangerous to handle, and they are not suitable pets for most people.

Tarsiers

Tarsiers are a small, exotic monkey breed native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their large eyes, which help them see in the dark, and their long, thin fingers, which they use to grasp onto branches. Tarsiers are nocturnal animals, requiring a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Tarsiers are not commonly kept as pets due to their specific dietary and environmental requirements. They need a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and vegetables and an ample, enclosed space to climb and jump.

Squirrel Monkeys

Squirrel monkeys are an exotic monkey breed native to Central and South America. They are small, social animals living in large wild groups. Squirrel monkeys are known for their playful and active nature, requiring a lot of stimulation and attention to keep them happy and healthy.

Squirrel monkeys are not commonly kept as pets due to their specific dietary and environmental requirements. They need a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, and protein and an ample, enclosed space to climb and play. It's crucial to keep squirrel monkeys with at least one other monkey to provide them with the social interaction they need to thrive.

Legal Considerations for Owning Exotic Monkeys

Understanding the legal considerations of owning an exotic monkey before bringing one into your home. Some monkey breeds are illegal to own in certain countries, and even in places where they are legal, there may be restrictions on ownership.

In the United States, for example, it is legal to own a capuchin monkey in some states but not others. You must check with your local authorities to determine whether owning an exotic monkey is legal in your area.

In addition to legal considerations, it's important to understand the ethical implications of owning an exotic monkey. These animals require a lot of attention and stimulation and may not be suited for a life in captivity. Before bringing an exotic monkey into your home, it's essential to consider whether you can provide the proper care and environment they need to thrive.

Ending Note:

Exotic monkeys can make fascinating and rewarding pets for the right person. However, owning an exotic monkey is not without its challenges, and it's essential to understand each breed's specific needs before bringing one into your home. With proper care and attention, exotic monkeys can live long and fulfilling lives, providing joy and companionship to their human caretakers.