So, you’re wondering if you can actually own a chimpanzee in the UK? Honestly, it’s way more complicated than you might expect. You can’t just keep a chimpanzee as a pet in the UK unless you get a special licence—and even then, the rules are super strict and tough to satisfy. Chimps need loads of space, care, and social time that most homes just don’t offer.
Most people have no idea how difficult it is to care for a chimpanzee the right way. The UK government has rolled out new laws to protect these animals and make sure they get what they need.
If you’re even considering it, you really should know the legal and practical hurdles before you get too attached to the idea.
Can You Own a Chimpanzee in the UK: Laws and Licences
The UK has some of the toughest rules out there when it comes to owning a chimpanzee. You have to meet strict legal standards, and in pretty much every case, you’ll need special permission.
Lawmakers designed these rules so chimps don’t end up in places that just aren’t right for them.
Current Legal Status of Chimpanzee Ownership
Basically, you can’t own a chimpanzee as a pet in the UK without a licence. Starting in 2026, if you want to keep primates like chimps, you’ll have to follow welfare standards similar to those for zoos.
They set up these laws to keep wild animals out of regular home environments, which just aren’t suitable.
Without that special licence, owning a chimp is illegal. If you try anyway, you could face huge fines, and they might take the animal away.
The rules also focus on animal welfare, since chimps have really complex needs.
Dangerous Wild Animal Licence Requirements
If you’re serious about owning a chimpanzee, you’ll need a Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) licence. To get it, you have to prove you can give the chimp proper care and keep everyone safe.
Your home will probably need special facilities, a lot like a zoo, to protect both the chimp and the people nearby.
You’ll need to show you understand the risks and can stick to the strict rules. Local authorities handle the licence, and they’ll come out to inspect your place.
If you don’t keep up with the standards, they can take the licence away. So, you’ve got to stay on top of things at all times.
Animal Welfare Act and RSPCA Involvement
The Animal Welfare Act protects chimps by demanding good living conditions and proper care. The law recognizes that chimps are smart, social creatures who need complex environments.
The RSPCA gets involved if they spot chimps living in bad situations. If you don’t meet welfare standards, the RSPCA can step in and work with authorities to remove the animal.
Their main goal is stopping neglect and cruelty. Because of these protections, keeping primates as pets is incredibly tough and not really encouraged unless you’re a professional with the right licence.
For more info, check out Can You Own a Chimpanzee in the UK? Laws, Licences & Key Facts and Keeping primates as pets banned – GOV.UK.
Regulations for Other Primates and Exotic Pets
When it comes to other primates, the rules change depending on the species. Some primates have really tight regulations, while others, well, not quite as much.
You’ll need to know the laws if you’re thinking about monkeys, lemurs, or any other exotic animal.
Rules for Monkeys and Lemurs
Monkeys and lemurs fall under similar rules in the UK. Starting April 2026, you’ll need a special licence to own them, just like with chimps.
The licence makes sure you can give them enough space, a healthy environment, and social time.
The government wants people to stop keeping monkeys or lemurs in places that don’t meet their needs. These animals need proper diets, exercise, and things to keep their minds busy.
If you don’t provide that, they’ll suffer, and you could pay big fines or lose your pet.
Pet Primates and the Law
If you’re set on having a pet primate, you’ll have to follow strict rules that protect both the animal and people. The law expects you to meet standards similar to zoos.
That means your home needs to have enough space and offer proper care.
Local councils deal with the licensing, and they’ll check your property to see if it’s safe for the animal. If you skip the licence or break the rules, you could lose the animal and face legal trouble.
These laws apply to all primate species you might want as pets.
Species with Fewer Restrictions
Some primates get fewer restrictions, usually because they’re smaller or less risky. For example, squirrel monkeys often have less strict rules, but you’ll still need a licence.
You’ll have to prove you know what you’re doing and can meet their needs.
Even if the primate is small or seems less dangerous, the law still makes it tough to own one without a licence. That way, every primate gets the right food, space, and care to actually thrive.
Comparison: Coati and Squirrel Monkeys
Coatis and squirrel monkeys both catch people’s eyes as potential exotic pets, but the law treats them pretty differently.
Squirrel monkeys, since they’re primates, require you to get a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence. You’ll have to meet some pretty strict care and welfare standards for them.
Coatis, on the other hand, aren’t primates, so the rules about keeping them usually aren’t quite as tough. Still, you should always double-check your local laws because some places have their own rules about exotic pets like coatis—mostly to keep both you and the animal safe.
It’s really worth knowing the differences between these two animals before you even think about bringing one home in the UK.
