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.
⚠️ Exception: Only zoos, research centers, and certified wildlife rehabilitators can legally keep monkeys.
Violation | Punishment |
Keeping a monkey as a pet | Up to ₹25,000 fine + 3–7 years jail |
Selling/buying monkeys | Same as above + seizure of animal |
Transporting monkeys | **₹10,000–50,000 fine** |
📌 Real Case (2023): A Mumbai couple was fined ₹1.2 lakh for keeping a rescued macaque without permits.
❌ 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.
Report to:
📌 Do NOT:
✅ 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).
India’s laws explicitly forbid private monkey ownership. Instead, support ethical wildlife conservation or adopt a legal, domesticated pet.
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haley
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2025.04.11