Pygmy marmosets — likewise referred to as “Cebuella pygmaea”, “pocket monkeys” or “finger monkeys”– are one the world’s smallest primates. And small they are: about 5 to 6 inches in length, consisting of the tail. Native to the rainforests of South America, pocket monkeys can be discovered in the United States only in captivity. Whether you can keep one as a pet depends on a variety of things, consisting of where you live.
US Law and Pygmy Marmoset
Some states have no laws prohibiting the keeping of monkeys as pets. For instance, you’re allowed to own a pocket monkey without the need for any special permits or paperwork in states like Alabama, Nebraska and South Carolina. North Carolina does not have a statewide law relating to the belongings of primates, leaving it in the hands of municipalities to make a decision. This means some cities or counties in North Carolina might permit it, while others do not.
Permit for the Monkey
In some states, such as Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, you’ll need to make an application for an unique permit before purchasing any kind of primate or other kind of wild or potentially dangerous animal. Authorizations need to be obtained from the state Department of Agriculture and can be tough and prolonged to process. Getting a permit is no assurance that you’ll get it.
Where Are Pocket Monkeys not Allowed as a Pet
Some states will not allow you to keep a pocket monkey — or any monkey, for that matter — as a family pet, no matter the circumstances. New York City and New Jersey, for instance, have stringent laws regarding the ownership of all types of wild animals, consisting of primates, as pets. In these states, the only people who might keep a pocket monkey would be those running a sanctuary or some sort of animal exhibition. Even then, they would have to fulfill substantial requirements to be authorized.
Tips You Should Know
Even if your state permits you to keep a pocket monkey as a family pet, you might want to reevaluate. Pygmy marmosets can become aggressive as they get older, especially if they’re not supplied with the environment they have to thrive. Primates can not be kept in a cage and need constant psychological stimulation or they might end up being violent, depressed or socially inefficient. Also, pygmy marmosets are extremely friendly animals who do much better when they reside in a group, so keeping a single one as a pet is not perfect.
