| $ $ Continuous Expenses: $1,1K - $7,7K | $ $ $ Primary Expenses: $1,9K - $24K |
Monkeys are primates that live in different habitats around the world, mostly in Africa, Asia, Central, and South America.
They are divided into two main types, Old World monkeys and New World Monkeys.
Old World monkeys are those that live in Africa and Asia, such as macaques, baboons, and mangabeys.
They have small nostrils that are close together, their tails are not prehensile, and some of them have sitting pads on their rumps.
New World monkeys live in Central and South America, such as spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and squirrel monkeys.
Their nostrils tend to be round and set farther apart, with prehensile tails, and they lack sitting pads on their rumps.
Monkeys are social, wild animals, and because they are primates that are in some degree related to us humans, keeping them as pets can be seen as cruel or unethical for some.
However, they have become more popular as exotic pets in the last few years.
If you’re thinking about getting a monkey as a pet, there are some basic things to consider first.
Table of Contents
Is A Monkey The Right Pet For Me?
It’s not legal to have a monkey as a pet in all states in the U.S., so that’s the first thing you should check.
In other states, you need a special permit and go through different steps before getting one.
Having a monkey as a pet is the definition of a long-term commitment.
They can usually live between 20 and 40 years.
Are you ready to care for an animal for that long?
Monkeys are highly intelligent, curious, wild, and social animals.
They can’t be truly domesticated, and they can suffer from depression and other psychological and behavioral problems while being in captivity.
As monkeys grow old, they can become aggressive, biting and scratching people, no matter if you’ve been caring for them for years.
Monkeys can transmit dangerous diseases to us humans, and we can also infect them with some of our own.
And last but not least, caring for a pet monkey is highly expensive, no matter the size.
Not only because of how long they live but because of their unique requirements.
Primary Expenses
In this section, you’ll find the basic things you’ll have to pay once when first getting a monkey as a pet.
Adopting Or Buying A Monkey
Adoption is very rare when it comes to exotic pets, especially with monkeys.
Generally, adoption is only available for zoos or sanctuaries, not for private owners.
You can buy a monkey from breeders, and the price will vary greatly depending on the species, size, and age of the monkey you want.
You could spend from $1,500 to $20,000.
But if you want an ape, the price can significantly increase to $60,000 or even higher.
Cage
Monkeys need a lot of space to exercise, live and not feel bored.
Boredom leads to behavioral problems, depression, and shorter life spans.
You can’t have a monkey inside your house either; they can’t be properly trained, and they are messy and wild animals.
The cage should be placed outside your house, and it should be as big as possible.
A cage for a monkey could cost from $400 to $3,500.
Accessories And Toys
Inside the cage, you’ll have to put wood branches, swings, hammocks, or other accessories that allow your monkey to stay active during the day.
Toys will also be required to keep your pet monkey entertained.
Accessories and toys can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 each.
Continuous Expenses
In this section, you’ll find the basic things you’ll have to buy on a monthly or annual basis.
Food
Depending on the species of the monkey, their diet could change, but most monkeys tend to eat fruits, vegetables, or even small insects and lizards.
You would be spending an average of $900 to $7,200 per year, but it could be more depending on the size and species you want.
Vet Visits
As it happens with other exotic pets, finding a veterinarian that has the proper knowledge and expertise could be quite difficult.
Exotic pet veterinarians are generally more expensive than regular veterinarians, so it’s another element to have in mind.
You could spend from $200 to $500 annually for check-ups, without vaccines, tests, treatments, or any emergencies your pet monkey could have.
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