How Much Does A Monkey Cost?
Monkeys are interesting pets, but keep in mind that there are a variety of legal restrictions on keeping monkeys. Before purchasing a monkey, make sure you find out if you are legally allowed to keep one. They are a lifelong commitment, as many species live as long as forty years. Remember as well, that these are wild animals. They can be dangerous and destructive, and require a lot of personal attention as they are social animals by nature. Keeping a monkey as a pet requires a big investment of both time and money. Owning a monkey is a lot of work, but can be very rewarding.
How Much Does A Pet Monkey Cost?
In general, a pet monkey costs between $4000 and $8000. However, these prices vary according to the species, age, and temperament of the monkeys. Rare species are more expensive than common ones. Younger and friendlier monkeys also cost more. When considering a purchase, do not forget to budget for incidentals such as food and supplies, which can add substantially to the cost of monkey ownership.
How Much Does A Baby Monkey Cost?
Baby monkeys are more expensive than adult monkeys. This is because they are in greater demand than adult monkeys, largely because they are cuter and easier to train. Because they are less aggressive, female baby monkeys tend to be less expensive than their male counterparts. Baby capuchin monkeys can be as expensive as $9500, depending on the gender and coloring.
Pet Monkey Supplies
Pet monkeys are an investment, and the financial commitment does not end at the purchase of the animal. Unless you are going to let your monkey run free in the house, which is not recommended, you will need a cage.
Indoor cages cost from $650 to $900, and outdoor cages cost from $1300 to $3500. Prices vary according to size and the bigger the animal you have the bigger the cage you need. Monkeys also need about $200 worth of blankets, toys, branches, and other things to make their cages comfortable and interesting. Monkeys eat mostly fruits and vegetables, with some animal protein. This diet can cost $25 a week. Dry food like monkey chow is available and costs $30 for a 30 pound bag. Monkeys need one pound of this food a day for every 35 pounds of body weight.
How Much Do Finger Monkeys Cost?
Finger monkeys are also called pygmy marmosets and dwarf monkeys, and are native to the South American rainforest canopies. They are very small. Their body will grow no larger than 6 inches long, and their tail no longer than 9 inches. They weigh no more than 5 ounces. They live about 12 years in the wild, but individuals in zoos have lived into their early twenties. Finger monkeys cost from $1300 to $5000 depending on type, gender, and temperament.
How Much Do Capuchin Monkeys Cost?
Capuchin monkeys are New World monkeys native to Central and South America. They are the monkey species associated with organ grinders or riding on greyhounds as a jockey. Capuchin monkeys cost from $6500 to $8000. Organizations such as Helping Hands train these monkeys and provide them to disabled persons as companions. After extensive training from infancy, these animals can perform some basic tasks such as washing the patient’s face, microwaving food, and opening drinking bottles. Thanks to donations, these monkeys are placed with disabled persons at no cost.
How Much Does A Spider Monkey Cost?
Spider monkeys naturally range from southern Mexico to Brazil. They are one of the larger New World monkeys due to their long limbs and tail, from which they get their name. They are also the most intelligent, and live as long as 35 years. Their populations in the wild are threatened due to habitat loss and hunting. Spider monkeys are difficult pets to own. They need a lot of room, and warm weather. In cold weather, spider monkeys can catch a fatal respiratory infection. Spider monkeys cost from $4500 to $6500.
How Much Does A Squirrel Monkey Cost?
Squirrel monkeys are native to the Amazon Basin. They are cute and playful, but have been known to attack on occasion. It is highly recommended that they be spayed or neutered; otherwise they can become very aggressive upon reaching maturity. Squirrel monkeys cost between $5500 and $8000. They are very active, and require a great deal of care and attention. They are small and easy to handle, but not the friendliest of pet monkeys.
Buying A Monkey
Buying a pet monkey should not be done on a whim. They can be dangerous animals if not cared for correctly. They require a lifelong commitment as they can live as long as 40 years or more. They cannot be imported and must be purchased from a licensed breeder. How to buy a monkey begins with educating yourself on the different kinds of monkeys to choose the one that you are best able to care for.
Where To Buy A Monkey
Where to buy a pet monkey is from a licensed breeder only. Do not trust any breeder who is willing to ship a monkey younger than 8 months of age. Research breeders carefully, and ask for references and licensing information.
How Much Does A Chimpanzee Cost?
Chimpanzees do not make good pets. When mature, they are 5 times to 8 times stronger than a human. They can be aggressive, and news reports of attacks by pet chimpanzees have been very disturbing. A chimpanzee can kill a human. Many people who buy them as pets end up selling them for biomedical research. Many countries have banned such research on apes. Chimps are very difficult to obtain, and can cost more than $60,000. In comparison, a giraffe costs $45,000.
Pet Monkey Laws
There are several legal restrictions concerning monkey ownership. Research these laws in your area to see if owning a monkey is legal. Owning a pet monkey is banned or partially banned in half of the states in the US. As reports of the serious injuries they can inflict spread through the news, this number is likely to increase. Most of the other states require a permit. Many countries also ban monkey ownership. Local zoning restrictions might also affect your ability to purchase and keep a pet monkey. Some people have been successful in receiving a special permit to exhibit and breed the animals for educational purposes.
- 649SHARES