The BC SPCA's Position on Wild Animals as Pets
The BC SPCA does not support the keeping of wild animals as pets -- whether primates of other wild animals commonly referred to as "exotic" animals. In those situations where wild animals are kept in captivity, the highest possible care and commitment must be in place to ensure the animals' well-being is not compromised.
Exotic animals do not make good pets
Wild (exotic) animals should be in the care of those trained as animal technicians, veterinarians with specialized in exotics, ethologists and other animal experts. These individuals have a demonstrated knowledge in the care, handling and keeping of exotic animals. This expertise is particularly important when caring for large social animals such as primates, wild cats and other exotic animals.
Captivity for any wild animal can lead to both psychological and physiological distress, making it unjustifiable to keep wild animal as pets. Mortality rates for exotic pets are high for a number of reasons. Typically wild animals do not readily demonstrate illness as an evolutionary mechanism to ensure survival. Therefore, once an animal shows visible distress it is often too late for treatment, often resulting in euthanasia. In the meantime, the animal has endured considerable distress. Animals in this state can languish for months before eventually dying.
Secondly, many animals die because their physical care and habitat needs are not adequately met. Further, many animals die in transport, whether they are taken from the wild or in transport from captive breeders prior to arriving at pet stores or at exotic animal auctions.
Another cruel aspect of keeping wild animals in captivity is that most wild animals are denied the opportunity to express normal behaviours that promote their own well being such as travelling to procure a mate, foraging for food, or the ability to seek solitude. Often these highly intelligent creatures self-mutilate or go into a state of depression -- often referred to as zoocosis. The behaviour resembles a kind of listlessness, where they give up their spirit for living.
Primate are particularly difficult to keep properly
Primates, in particular, are especially challenging to care for as pets largely because of their social nature and habitat needs. Their housing must be very large and stimulating, mimicking their natural environment. Housing must include access to both indoor and outdoor areas so primates can exhibit their natural behaviours. Primates are easily bored necessitating the creation of a stimulating environment for both mental and physical needs. Enrichment must include ever-changing toys and climbing devices to provide the diversity a natural environment offers.
Enclosures also need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent illness and odours, as primates tend to be odiferous and "messy." They can be very destructive and often housetraining is forgotten or ignored once they reach maturity. Most primates will also seek and find ways to escape from their enclosures so construction and maintenance must ensure protection for the animals and be escape-proof.
Dietary needs of primates need to be monitored closely as they are prone to diabetes and many other health problems due to inbreeding. The cost associated with the keeping of primates is very high - as much as $300 a month just for food. Common human illnesses such as the flu or chicken pox can be deadly for primates.
Primates do not interact well with people, particularly children, as their behaviour in captivity is unpredictable and is often aggressive. All monkeys bite and can spread disease to humans, including Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, Measles, Tuberculosis, and other zoonotic diseases.