Welfare of primates: an introduction
Primates can behave in complex ways. Unusual behaviour may show that an animal’s needs are not being met. Keepers must know how to recognise these signs.
About primates
Primates are intelligent, long-lived animals. They can solve problems, build strong social bonds and show complex behaviour.
Being with other primates is one of their most important needs. With few exceptions, they live in social groups that may include many animals.
Primates spend a long time as babies and young animals. They still need their group for a long time after they stop feeding from their mother. During this time, they learn about their surroundings, how to live with others, how to care for young, and how to survive and breed. Primates can live for many years and need the right care as they get older.
Primates are likely to feel pain, fear and distress. Some species may also be able to think about these feelings. This means they may suffer more if their needs are not met.
Different species
Marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, macaques and lemurs are the primates most often kept in private collections. Other species may also be kept.
Keepers must understand the needs and behaviour of each species they keep. The best way to learn is to watch animals in their natural environment.
Keepers can also learn from recognised zoo collections and speak to experienced private keepers.
Primates should not be considered as pets in the accepted sense of the word. They are wild animals, not family pets like cats or dogs. They are not domesticated and cannot be fully tamed or house-trained.
Dangerous wild animals
Most primates are dangerous wild animals. The Dangerous Wild Animals (NI) Order 2004 sets rules for people who keep these animals privately. Zoos, pet shops and circuses follow different laws.
You must get a licence before you own a dangerous wild animal. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency Biodiversity Unit can inspect where the animal is kept. It can also seize an animal if there is no licence, or if licence rules are broken. Keepers must allow inspections every year.
You must not sell a dangerous wild animal to someone who does not have a licence, as it is a criminal offence. One licence can cover more than one wild animal.
You can find more information about dangerous wild animals on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs website. This includes how to get a licence application form.
Accommodation for primates
Most primates should not be kept alone and should not usually live in people’s homes as they need special housing. Primates need space to behave naturally, including living with others and the ability to forage for food.
Keepers should educate themselves about primate care in general and especially about the species they plan to keep.
Useful sources of information include specialist staff in recognised zoos, experienced private keepers and specialist primate rescue centres.
Where possible, people should get practical experience by doing voluntary work with primates before deciding to keep them privately. Keepers must also have enough money to meet their animals’ needs throughout their lives. Keeping primates is expensive.
Cost of keeping primates
Buying a primate is only the first cost. Keepers must be able to pay for its care throughout its life.
This includes:
- a suitable enclosure of the right size, with heating all year round
- specialist veterinary care
- a wide range of food and supplements
- environmental enrichment
Keepers should have the time and ability to watch their animals closely and often. Primates need more careful observation than many other animals.
Knowing what healthy condition and normal behaviour look like helps keepers spot early signs of poor health or unusual behaviour, so they can take action quickly.
Primates should not be bred unless the keeper is sure that any young can go to owners who can provide suitable care. Contraception should be used to prevent unwanted breeding.
You should keep written care and health plans for your animals. These plans should explain what is needed to meet your responsibilities. They are also useful if someone else helps with daily care, or if another keeper needs to look after your animals:
Primates, like all animals, will need veterinary care from time to time. Keepers will need regular advice on routine health checks and emergency treatment. This should be provided by a vet with experience of primate care. Keepers need to find a suitable veterinary practice before getting a primate.
Keepers should have a plan for times when they cannot look after their animals themselves. Care must continue, and responsibility for the animals’ welfare should pass to a suitable and experienced person if the usual keeper is unavailable.
The person asked to care for the keeper’s primates should know their normal behaviour and be able to recognise signs of physical or mental ill health.
Keeper's responsibilities
Your duty of care includes providing a suitable enclosure, food and water. It also includes knowing how to check the welfare of the animals in your care.
Animals must be given wholesome food. A balanced diet helps them keep a healthy body condition and support normal activity levels:
- Welfare of primates: physical health
- Welfare of primates: the need for a suitable diet
- Suitable environment for primates
Understanding behaviour
Animals with very poor welfare may become withdrawn and may behave differently. Poor welfare can also lead to repeated behaviours that may be wrongly seen as attractive individual traits.
Specialist primate keepers should meet all of their animals’ needs and achieve good welfare outcomes for each animal.
Keepers should be able to assess the welfare of all their animals, recognise when needs are not being met, and act quickly to put this right. This may include asking experts for advice.
Keepers need a thorough understanding of the behaviour, biology and ecology of the species they keep. Advice should be sought from specialists in these areas.
You should also consider each animal’s age, size, condition, breeding status and health needs.