What to Expect When Owning a Capuchin Monkey

Capuchin monkeys are native to Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay and northern Argentina and are common in the exotic pet trade. This is the monkey most commonly depicted with an organ grinder, but more recently the breed is being trained to carry out everyday tasks for people with disabilities. However, monkeys are wild animals, regardless of how long they have been captive. Owning even a small wild animal includes dangerous risks that must not be taken lightly.

  1. Legalities

    • Any level of government, including state, county, city and even home owners associations, can regulate primate ownership, which is outlawed in many states. It is important to be very clear on local animal ordinances and to know what animals are prohibited. Keep in mind it may be necessary to apply to the state Division of Wildlife and local county offices for ownership permission. Florida currently has the most comprehensive wildlife regulatory laws which classifies Capuchins as Class III animals and requires 1,000 hours of documented experience along with the completion of several forms and inspections.

    Activity

    • Capuchin monkeys are very social animals in the wild that typically form groups of 8 to 15 animals and in a domestic situation can live to be 45 years old. However, they will generally only trust and bond with one human in captivity. Playing is common among juveniles but some games involve throwing feces, pinching, biting and scratching. Large canines and strong jaws, arms and hands make even playful aggression very dangerous, as an angry monkey can inflict life-threatening injuries.

    Diet

    • Fruit is a large part the capuchin's natural diet, along with roots, tubers, seeds and pith. Some individuals prey on insects, reptiles, birds, eggs, small mammals and carrion. Foraging in the wild consists of much noisy and destructive ripping of vegetation and cracking open nuts against trees and branches. Captive monkeys will display this natural behavior in a family home setting and cause quite a bit of property damage. Wild capuchins weigh about 3 to 9 pounds; captive capuchins average between 7 and 13 pounds because ample food is provided at all times.

    Vocal

    • Capuchins are very social animals and their vocalizations, facial expressions and gestures are very expressive. Researchers attribute a wide range of sounds to this species, with very distinct variations when contacting the group or individuals and to indicate aggression or the presence of danger. Hawks and eagles are the most significant predator of capuchin monkeys; even in captivity, largish, harmless birds will be greeted with sharp whistles and other high-pitched sounds.