An estimated 5000 primates are being kept as pets in the UK, a figure that many people will no doubt find shocking. The most popular primates that are kept and traded as pets are Marmosets, Capuchins and Squirrel Monkeys.

Primates are highly intelligent, complex and sociable wild animals that do not adapt well to being kept as pets. The essential bonds that are formed through grooming, playing, fighting and foraging with their own kind to establish social groups, the right diet, husbandry and enrichment are all essential for the primates physical and mental welfare. 

A primate cannot engage with its natural instincts as a pet and although owners may have good intentions their welfare needs cannot be met. No primate should be kept alone, yet the RSPCA has found that in 60% of the cases they have investigated the primate is being kept alone in isolation.  The lack of vitamin D from natural sunlight and the right diet can result in skeletal diseases and there is a risk of certain diseases spreading between owner, other house pets and primates.