Owning a monkey as a pet is a question many animal enthusiasts have, especially in regions with strict wildlife laws like Alberta. The short answer is that, while other provinces may have different rules, Alberta has strict regulations on primates.
Can You Legally Have a Pet Monkey in Alberta?
No, owning a monkey as a pet in Alberta is prohibited under the Alberta Wildlife Act. Primates, including all monkey species, are classified as dangerous or exotic animals. The Act is designed to protect the public and Alberta’s natural ecosystems, as well as prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.
View the Entire Alberta Controlled Animals List PDF
Screenshot of what you will see under the Mammals section of the PDF near the beginning. If you scroll further you will find Apes. In fact you will find every controlled species in the Province of Alberta, Canada.
Ownership of Primates: Alberta vs. Other Provinces
In Alberta, primates, including all monkey species, are strictly prohibited as pets due to public safety, zoonotic disease risks, and the potential impact on native wildlife. This is regulated under the Alberta Wildlife Act.
Other provinces differ in their regulations:
- Ontario: Does not have a provincial ban; municipal laws apply.
- Quebec: Some species of primates are permitted, but restrictions exist for certain types.
- Saskatchewan: Similar to Alberta with bans on specific primates.
Federally, no overarching law governs exotic pet ownership, leaving regulation to provinces and municipalities.
Prohibited Primates in Alberta
All New World Monkeys (Family Cebidae):
- Squirrel Monkeys (Genus Saimiri)
- Douroucoulis (Night Monkeys) (Genus Aotus)
- Titi Monkeys (Genus Callicebus)
- Howler Monkeys (Genus Alouatta)
- Sakis (Genus Pithecia)
- Bearded Sakis (Genus Chiropotes)
- Uakaris (Genus Cacajao)
- Capuchins (Ring-tail Monkeys) (Genus Cebus)
- Woolly Monkeys (Genus Lagothrix)
- Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey (Oreonax flavicauda)
- Spider Monkeys (Genus Ateles)
- Woolly Spider Monkeys (Muriquis) (Genus Brachyteles)
All Old World Monkeys (Family Cercopithecidae):
- Talapoins (Genus Miopithecus)
- Guenons (Genus Cercopithecus)
- Vervets (Genus Chlorocebus)
- Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas)
- Allen’s Swamp Monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis)
- Crested Mangabeys (Genus Lophocebus)
- White-eyelid Mangabeys (Genus Cercocebus)
- Highland Mangabey (Kipunji) (Rungwecebus kipunji)
- Macaques (Genus Macaca)
- Baboons (Genus Papio)
- Drills/Mandrills (Genus Mandrillus)
- Gelada (Gelada Baboon) (Theropithecus gelada)
- Langurs and Surilis (Genus Presbytis)
- Gray and Crested Langurs (Genus Semnopithecus)
- Brow-ridged Langurs (Genus Trachypithecus)
- Douc Langurs (Genus Pygathrix)
- Snub-nosed Langurs (Genus Rhinopithecus)
- Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
- Pig-tailed Langur (Simias concolor)
- Black and White Colobus Monkeys (Genus Colobus)
- Red and Olive Colobus Monkeys (Genus Procolobus)
All Lesser Apes (Family Hylobatidae):
- Gibbons (Genus Hylobates)
- Hoolocks (Genus Hoolock)
- Crested Gibbons (Genus Nomascus)
- Siamang (Genus Symphalangus)
All Great Apes (Family Hominidae):
- Orangutans (Genus Pongo)
- Gorillas (Genus Gorilla)
- Chimpanzees and Bonobos (Genus Pan)
This extensive list shows the significant variety of primates that are banned in Alberta, emphasizing that all species, regardless of size or habitat, are classified as dangerous and prohibited from being kept as pets .
These restrictions are strictly enforced under Alberta’s Wildlife Act, and violations can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. However, certain accredited facilities, such as zoos, may obtain special permits to house these animals under strict regulations .
Legal Consequences for Owning a Monkey in Alberta
If you’re caught illegally owning a monkey or other primates in Alberta, significant penalties may apply:
- Fines: You could face fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the infraction.
- Animal Seizure: Wildlife authorities have the right to seize the animal.
- Further Legal Action: Repeat offenders or serious cases could result in additional legal repercussions.
Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife Officers are responsible for enforcing these laws, often acting on public reports or investigations.
Importing Primates and Other Exotic Animals into Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the importation of live animals, including primates, to protect public health and animal welfare. Importing primates into Canada requires adherence to strict protocols, and approvals are only granted for certain uses, such as research or zoo purposes—not as personal pets. This applies across all provinces, with federal rules complementing provincial regulations.
For more detailed information on the regulations regarding the importation of primates and other exotic animals into Canada, particularly for non-pet purposes such as research or zoos, you can refer to the guidelines provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Alberta’s “Primates as Pets” Ban and Ownership Regulations Summarized
- Prohibited Primates: All species of monkeys, apes, and primates, including New World monkeys like spider monkeys and howler monkeys, and Old World monkeys like baboons and macaques, are classified as prohibited animals in Alberta under the Wildlife Act.
- Public Safety: The ban is primarily in place to protect public health and safety, as primates can carry zoonotic diseases and exhibit unpredictable behavior, which can endanger both their owners and the public.
- Legal Consequences: Owning a prohibited primate in Alberta can result in severe penalties, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, along with possible seizure of the animal.
- Exemptions for Organizations: Accredited facilities, such as zoos and wildlife shelters, can apply for special permits to house primates. These organizations must meet stringent standards, including secure enclosures, veterinary care, and public education programs.
- Alberta vs. Other Provinces: Unlike Alberta, some provinces, like Saskatchewan and Quebec, allow the ownership of certain primate species under specific conditions. However, the federal government enforces strict import regulations for these animals across Canada.
