The Living Links Capuchin Lab does not condone the use of capuchins nor any other nonhuman primate as pets. Capuchins animals do not make good pets for several reasons. To learn more about the Pet Trade look at our Global Primate Awareness page. Young capuchins are very cute and cuddly, however m ost behavioral problems occur when a juvenile capuchin reaches sexual maturity. They can become very strong and aggressive.
Males grow large, dangerous canines.
Pet owners can be severely injured from bites. Wild capuchins are known as destructive foragers, meaning that when they search for food they tear apart and uproot trees and plants in order to look for food. Capuchins have a complex diet. Most pet owners will not be able to provide their capuchins with the proper nutrition for a healthful life. Most local veternarians are not trained to take care of exotic pets like capuchin monkeys and frequently deny service to owners of these type of pets.