Ever wondered if you can actually own a chimpanzee as a pet in the UK? The short answer: nope, not really.
It’s basically illegal to keep a chimp as a pet unless you somehow get a special licence—and honestly, those rules are super strict and almost impossible to meet. Chimps have such complex needs, and meeting those in a regular home? That’s just not realistic.
You might hear stories about people keeping primates, but new laws are about to make it even harder. The idea behind these rules is to protect the animals and make sure they get the care and social lives they deserve.
If you’re curious about the details or just want to avoid trouble, it’s worth understanding these laws. Respecting these intelligent animals isn’t just a legal thing—it’s the right thing to do.
Can You Legally Own a Chimp in the UK?
UK law keeps a tight grip on owning chimpanzees. If you’re thinking about it, you need to know about recent bans, licence requirements, and which primates these laws actually cover.
Recent Ban and Upcoming Legal Changes
Starting April 2026, new laws will make it illegal to keep primates as pets unless you meet some pretty intense standards. The government wants to make sure primates like chimps get the same level of care they’d get in zoos.
They brought in these changes after realizing that most pet primates just don’t get what they need in homes. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 form the backbone of these rules.
If you break them, you could get slapped with hefty fines or lose your animal. Lord Douglas-Miller, the Animal Welfare Minister, has thrown his support behind the measures. The RSPCA agrees, saying it’s nearly impossible to care for primates properly in a typical home.
Requirements for Keeping Primates
If you want to legally keep a chimp—or any primate—you’ll need a special wild animal licence from your local council. You have to show you can provide zoo-level care.
That means a proper enclosure, plenty of social time, and the right food and healthcare. Defra works with councils to make sure people follow these rules to the letter.
Only folks who can prove they’ll give these animals top-notch care can even think about getting a licence. Without it, owning a chimp or any primate is just flat-out illegal.
Which Primates Are Affected by UK Law
The ban and licensing rules cover all primates people try to keep as pets. That’s chimpanzees, monkeys, and all their relatives.
It’s not just about the big apes—even smaller monkeys are included. About 5,000 primates still live in private UK homes right now.
Groups like Humane Society International support the ban. Primates need complicated social lives and physical care, and regular homes rarely cut it.
The law treats every captive primate with the same strict standards. The aim? To give them a better life.
For more details, check out Keeping primates as pets banned – GOV.UK.
Licencing, Exemptions, and Other Exotic Pets
If you want to own a chimp or any exotic animal in the UK, you’re looking at a lot of red tape. You’ll need special licences, need to know about possible exceptions, and understand what happens if you break the rules.
How to Obtain a Wild Animal Licence
To legally own a chimp, you’ll need a wild animal licence. Local councils handle these.
They’ll check if your home and your knowledge are actually up to scratch for caring for a chimp. You have to meet all the standards set by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
That means enough space, mental stimulation, and proper social time for the animal. If you miss the mark, they can deny or revoke your licence.
For dangerous animals like chimps, you might also need a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. It’s all about keeping both you and the public safe.
Exempted Primates and Other Species
Not every primate faces the exact same legal hurdles. Chimps and orangutans need the strictest licences, but even smaller primates—lemurs, squirrel monkeys, and others—require licences, though sometimes the rules are a bit less strict.
Animals like coati, wild cats, or orangutans might fall under different licences, depending on their risk and care needs. The Wildlife and Countryside Act covers some of these, banning certain species to protect local wildlife and people.
Even if you’re just after a pet monkey, you’ll probably need a licence from April 2026. The UK is pushing for zoo-quality care for any primate kept at home.
Penalties for Illegal Ownership
If you keep a chimp or another exotic animal without the right licence, you’re taking a big risk.
You could end up with:
- Fines that hit thousands of pounds
- Jail time, sometimes as long as six months
- Losing the animal altogether
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 make these laws clear. They aim to protect both animals and people from harm.
Local councils and groups like the RSPCA often look into illegal cases. They have the power to enforce these penalties pretty strictly.
