Buying a Monkey

monkeys

Monkeys are so popular that many people dream of owning one, whether they have seen them in zoos or on TV and movies. Despite their cuteness, monkeys are very dangerous, and they need to be kept in large, secure enclosures. In addition, they can bite and scratch. In the wild, monkeys live in groups called troops that travel together by day to find food and share grooming duties. They can range in size from a few dozen individuals to thousands, including both adults and young. Monkeys breed seasonally. For example, guanan squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), from South America, typically mate in September and November and give birth during February and April. However, baboons breed continuously throughout the year and have gestation periods of up to 178 days.

In the wild, monkeys use their prehensile tails to hold on to branches while they collect flowers, fruits, nuts, leaves, and seeds. Their cheek pouches—which expand to the size of their stomachs—allow them to stash a meal for later. Some monkeys are omnivorous, while others are strictly vegetarian. In the latter case, they eat fruits, leaves, seeds, and nuts, as well as insects, snails, birds’ eggs, and small animals like lizards.

The best way to get a monkey is through a reputable USDA-licensed breeder. It is important to ask the breeder a lot of questions about the animal’s background, care schedule, and temperament. It is also a good idea to talk to other people who have owned a monkey and ask them for recommendations. Monkeys can live for up to 30 years, so if you choose one carefully, you will be with it for the long haul.