Buying a Monkey: Why It Is Illegal and Dangerous in France

One morning over coffee, I came across a classified ad that stopped me cold: “Adorable baby capuchin for sale, €2,500.” As someone who loves animals, my first reaction was pure excitement. A monkey at home? Just like in the movies.

Fortunately, before reaching for my bank card, I decided to look into it properly. What I found quickly took the shine off the idea. If you have ever been tempted to buy a monkey, this is the kind of subject that can save you from a legal, financial, and emotional disaster.

And yes, my three cats and my dog Rex eventually reminded me that our household menagerie was already more than enough.

Why is buying a monkey so tempting?

It is easy to understand the appeal. Who has never imagined having a tiny companion that seems clever, expressive, and a little bit magical? Those gripping little hands, bright eyes, and astonishing agility make primates look endlessly charming. Social media only adds to the fantasy, filling feeds with images of “pet” monkeys that appear to fit neatly into family life.

But those pictures tell only a very small part of the story.

When I started reading more carefully, one thing became obvious: behind every “cute baby monkey” is often an animal taken from its mother far too early, pushed through intense stress, and likely to develop serious behavioural problems.

The hard legal reality in France

The first major surprise is simple: private ownership of a monkey is prohibited in France.

Primates are classified as non-domestic animals under French regulations. Keeping them requires:

• A certificate of competence for the care of non-domestic animals
• Authorisation to operate an establishment
• Facilities that meet strict legal standards

In other words, unless you are a zoo, a licensed sanctuary, or an approved research centre, this is not a pet you can legally keep at home.

Those who break the rules can face penalties of up to €150,000 in fines and one year in prison. That is more than enough to make anyone think twice.

The hidden dangers of a “pet” monkey

Needs that cannot realistically be met

A monkey is not a cat that curls up on your lap after dinner. Primates have complex physical and psychological needs that are very difficult to satisfy in a home environment:

• Social life: In the wild, many species live in groups of 20 to 40 individuals
• Space: Some species cover several kilometres each day
• Diet: Their food requirements can be highly specialised and vary by species
• Mental stimulation: Their intelligence is often compared to that of a 3- to 4-year-old child

Picture trying to confine an overexcited toddler in a flat with no proper outlet for energy, curiosity, or social interaction. That gives a better sense of why these animals struggle in captivity.

Health risks to humans

Primates can carry and transmit diseases to humans, including zoonoses such as:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Herpes B, which can be fatal
• Tuberculosis
• Various parasitic infections

On top of that, bites can cause severe injuries. An adult macaque, for example, has a remarkably powerful jaw. Even an apparently small animal can become extremely dangerous when frightened, stressed, or poorly handled.

Did you know? A capuchin can live for more than 40 years. That is a much longer commitment than adopting Rex, who is with us for “only” 12 to 15 years.

A legal and humane alternative that actually works

After learning all of this, I redirected my urge for something unusual toward options that are both legal and realistic. The result? I adopted a pair of domestic rats.

These little bundles of fur are:

• Intelligent: They can learn their names and simple tricks
• Affectionate: They actively seek out contact and interaction
• Social: They offer a chance to observe rich and interesting behaviour
• Legal: No issues with the authorities

The cost was also refreshingly reasonable: about €50 for the pair and around €200 for the full setup. That is a long way from the thousands of euros sometimes asked for an illegally kept monkey.

If the fascination remains: legal alternatives

Sponsor a primate

Many sanctuaries offer sponsorship programmes. This allows you to support an animal’s care while receiving updates, photos, and news about its wellbeing.

Visit specialised centres

Observing primates in a suitable environment is far more rewarding than attempting to keep one at home. Some animal parks and sanctuaries also offer educational visits that help people understand these animals better.

Choose a legal exotic pet instead

If what interests you is the uniqueness of an unusual companion, there are legal New Companion Animals that can be genuinely rewarding:

• Ferrets, which are playful and affectionate
• Chinchillas, soft and quiet to observe
• Axolotls, fascinating creatures to watch

Protect them rather than trying to own them

Three years after my research into monkeys, I do not regret for a second giving up the idea. My rats, Pimprenelle and Roméo, bring plenty of joy without the legal complications, ethical concerns, or safety risks that come with keeping a primate.

Real animal lovers understand that some species belong in the wild or in specialised environments designed for their needs. Our role is not to own them, but to admire them, protect them, and support the organisations that work for their welfare.

If you were considering an exotic pet, the safest choice is always the one that respects both the law and the animal. Sometimes the best way to love wildlife is not to bring it home.