Can I have a primate as a pet?
Do you like primates? The love most people have for them is innate. Their appearance (big eyes and expressive faces) is also typical of human babies so, as it happens with them, when we see a primate we need to take care of it. Unfortunately, some people take the “love” for these animals too far and, instead of admiring them in their natural habitat, they choose to buy one to have it as a pet. In most cases, people are not aware of the difficulties and dangers of this decision. This is what happened with Africa and Bea, two chimpanzees rescued by Fundació Mona who were kept as pets.
But the truth is that there are many reasons why having a primate as a pet is not a good idea:
What can you do about it?
Show your love for primates by enjoying them in nature or Rescue Centres like visiting Fundació Mona.
If you want a pet, there are many domestic animals that would be appropriate as such, many of which are living in shelters and need homes right now.
Contribute to our work and help us to continue working for the welfare and conservation of the primates.
Don’t share pictures and videos of primates living as pets on social networks. Studies have shown that such depictions can increase the likelihood of people wanting to acquire a primate as a pet.
