Are pet monkeys dangerous? That is the question that many people are afraid to ask. The idea of living with a wild animal seems like it would be fun, but there are some risks involved.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about pet monkeys and answer all your questions!
Let’s start with the main question; are pet monkeys dangerous?
Pet Monkeys are dangerous indeed. Monkeys are wild animals, and they carry parasites and zoonotic diseases that can infect humans when they bite or scratch you. However, With proper training and supervision by an experienced owner, a monkey can make a good pet that won’t hurt you or your family members.
Before we go any further in discussing the dangers and risks of getting a pet monkey, you should know that pet Monkeys are not legal everywhere, and you should check if they are even legal in your country/state before you think of getting a pet monkey.
Now, let’s explore the risks of having a pet monkey and how you can handle them.
Are Pet Monkeys Dangerous?
Monkeys may appear adorable as newborns. When they become sexually mature, however, experts warn that monkeys can become aggressive. And some primates carry deadly viruses like herpes B that can pass to humans via bites and scratches.
Many people are unconcerned by the dangers of keeping monkeys in their residences. Monkeys are frequently sold for thousands of dollars via newspaper advertisements and the Internet, despite being regarded as status symbols or surrogate children.
A simple Google search reveals a flourishing market for just about every primate species, from capuchins to chimpanzees. The cost of a Capuchin monkey may start at $1,500 and go up to $50,000. Even threatened animals like Diana monkeys, lemurs, and gibbons are available for sale.
The Health Risks of Pet Monkeys
There are many risks involved in the ownership of pet monkeys.
Most primates, particularly macaques and baboons, carry the herpes B virus which can lead to death if transmitted to humans.
Monkeys also pose safety risks for children, with bite wounds being common occurrences according to pediatricians. A child is at greater risk of injury from a monkey, especially a young one, than from any other pet.
In addition, monkeys are wild animals and generally do not make good pets because of their unpredictable nature.
Monkeys can turn on people in the blink of an eye due to stress or if they feel threatened. It is important that children be taught how to properly interact with these creatures for their safety and for the safety of others.
The health and safety risks associated with monkey exposure prompted the Centers for Disease Control in the United States to ban their importation as pets in 1975.
Today, monkeys sold on the black market are animals that were no longer wanted by zoos or laboratories. April Truitt, founder of The Primate Rescue Center in Kentucky, explains that they come from breeders and surplus primates from zoos and laboratories.
Once monkeys have completed puberty, they can become violent, according to Wright of the Phoenix Zoo. Around 18 to 24 months are required for small monkeys to mature sexually. Larger primates, such as orangutans and chimpanzees, reach puberty at ages five to ten.
Are Monkeys Aggressive?
Monkeys are often aggressive, especially when they mature. They may attack strangers or even family members to establish dominance and without warning, leading to serious injuries and sometimes death.
In one instance a three-year-old girl was bitten by her grandmother’s pet monkey who had been living with the family for two years. The bite led to fatal encephalitis from which the girl did not recover.
Monkeys are dangerous and unpredictable, even when socialized with humans during their youth.
People who own pet monkeys must be aware of the many risks that come along with them and accustom themselves to handling potentially violent creatures on a daily basis.
Can you train a monkey?
You can train a monkey to do tricks, but you can’t train a monkey to be as obedient as a dog. Monkeys are very intelligent creatures and they like to take advantage of their owners if they think it is possible.
This means that even though you have trained your pet monkey how to sit down on command or crawl through bars, he may not actually do this unless he sees an opportunity to gain something by it.
Monkeys are also very independent so they will not see the point in doing anything that has no immediate benefit for them, even if you know that there is one out there somewhere.
Here is a quick video showing the basics of training a monkey:
Conclusion: Monkeys are not for everyone
Monkeys are difficult pets, and they should not be taken on by those that are inexperienced or ill-equipped to deal with the challenges.
If you want a pet monkey for whatever reason, make sure you know all there is to know about these creatures and their special needs before making the decision. Otherwise, it may end up being a mistake that could cost your health or even your life.
Getting a monkey as a first pet is a bad idea. If you want a pet, we highly recommend adopting a dog instead. Dogs are simply awesome, and if you want something unique, you can find plenty of unique dog breeds that will cost you thousands, and they will still be much safer than a monkey.
Related Questions:
Why are monkeys bad pets?
Monkeys are bad pets because they are wild animals. They are not domesticated, meaning they will never be able to live alongside people as dogs or cats can.
How much do pet monkeys cost?
Pet monkeys may start at $1500 and go up to $50,000 depending on the species of monkey. A capuchin monkey costs around 5000 dollars while a chimpanzee may cost up to 100,000 dollars.
Why are monkeys hard to train?
Monkeys are difficult to train due to their unpredictable nature and the fact that they do not have a desire for human contact or affection like dogs or cats can. How dangerous is it if you own a pet monkey? It depends on the species of monkey
