Pet Monkey Guide

For decades many have thought that a pet monkey would be a dream come true. There are those who love the idea of a monkey as a pet. Now days there are just as many that are against the idea of keeping such a creature in captivity as a pet or otherwise. They believe wild animals should stay in the wild and that the means by which these animals are coming to be in captivity are immoral and sometimes they are. This article is meant as an informant article for those who are considering a monkey as a pet. The most popular type of monkey kept as an exotic pet is the capuchin monkey. The capuchin was seen on the popular T.V show, "Friends" as Ross' pet and as the evil, killer monkey on the Stephen King movie, Monkey Shines. It is easy to see why the capuchin is a desirable pet, with their human baby like faces and child size bodies, they are very adorable.

The capuchin is native to Central and South America. This species is in a group known as the New World Monkeys. The capuchin monkey can have a white or a dark face. Their heads or "caps" can be dark brown or black, blond or white. Their bodies are mostly blacks or browns. The Capuchin monkey is considered the most intelligent of the New World Monkeys and are thought to be self aware, such as when confronted with a mirror. Capuchins have been used as animals to aid quadriplegics.

Where the controversy comes in, is the method of removing these baby capuchins from the mother's arms and it's family. Some say the baby is literally torn from it's mother and kidnapped to be sold as exotic pets or to breed them. The Internet is full of Capuchin monkeys for sell. I have done quite a bit of research on these advertisements and found that they are 99 percent scams! So where would you get a capuchin? You would probably have to purchase from an exotic pet store or do alot of research to find an actual breeder. Never send money grams or western union, only purchase in person. You'll also want to do a lot of research on these animals before searching for one to buy.

Most will get caught up in how cool a pet monkey will be and how cute they are. In reality these can be very difficult pets to care for and remember they can live for 20-40 years. They are very, very demanding of time and attention, more so than an infant child, only stronger and with a wild animals instincts and behaviors. They are not easily potty trained and even if trained will still throw feces. Any exotic pet requires a special diet and the monkey diet is quite expensive. Also high expenses can incur from vet and doctor bills, as monkeys can transmit several diseases, to each other and to humans. It can be difficult to find a vet in your area that is even qualified to treat monkeys. There are many vaccinations, shots and a license required before a monkey can be brought to the United States or several other countries. There is a good chance of a pet monkey biting it's owner or someone else. They are aggressive in nature and that is not changed by human raising. Also the pet monkey can and probably will be destructive because as super intelligent creatures they will become easily bored. There is a lot to consider before taking on a monkey, not only cost and their wild temperament but also the safety of others in the home, especially children. For the well being of your family and these wild, but innocent animals, make sure you are really up to the commitment.

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