Is Owning a Monkey Legal in India?

Introduction: The Truth About Keeping Monkeys as Pets

Owning a monkey in India is strictly prohibited under the ​Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with ​heavy fines (up to ₹25,000) and potential jail time (up to 7 years) for violators. Despite this, illegal trade persists in states like ​Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, fueled by black-market demand.

This guide clarifies 2024’s legal status, penalties, and ethical concerns—plus what to do if you find a captive monkey.

1. Legal Status of Pet Monkeys in India

📜 Key Laws Banning Monkey Ownership

• Wildlife Protection Act (1972):Schedule I & II species (e.g., ​Rhesus Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Langurs) are ​fully protected.Section 9: Prohibits ​capture, trade, or ownership without government permission.
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960):Penalizes illegal confinement of wildlife.

⚠️ Exception: Only ​zoos, research centers, and certified wildlife rehabilitators can legally keep monkeys.

2. Penalties for Illegal Monkey Ownership

📌 Real Case (2023): A Mumbai couple was ​fined ₹1.2 lakh for keeping a rescued macaque without permits.

3. Why Monkeys Make Terrible Pets

❌ Zoonotic Diseases: Monkeys carry ​herpes B, tuberculosis, and parasites transmissible to humans.
❌ Behavioral Issues: They become ​aggressive after puberty (biting, throwing objects).
❌ Lifespan: Monkeys live ​20–40 years—most owners abandon them when they’re unmanageable.

💡 Ethical Note: Monkeys are ​highly social; isolating them causes ​severe stress and depression.

4. What to Do If You See a Pet Monkey?

Report to:

1. Local Forest Department (Contact via Parivesh)
2. Wildlife SOS (Delhi/Maharashtra/Karnataka) – Helpline: ​**+91-9871963535**
3. PFA/SPCA (For cruelty cases)

📌 Do NOT:

• Feed the monkey (encourages dependency).
• Try to "rescue" it yourself (illegal without permits).

5. Legal Alternatives to Pet Monkeys

✅ Adopt a Dog/Cat: Shelters like ​CUPA (Bangalore) or Friendicoes (Delhi) have many animals needing homes.
✅ Volunteer at a Sanctuary: Help rehabilitate monkeys at ​Wildlife SOS (Agra) or Primate Rescue Centre (Assam).

Conclusion: Just Don’t Do It

India’s laws explicitly forbid private monkey ownership. Instead, support ethical wildlife conservation or adopt a ​legal, domesticated pet.

Need Help?

• Wildlife Crime Hotline: 1800-11-1363
• Animal Welfare Board of India: www.awbi.gov.in