Some species have peculiar dietary needs, but all primates require a well-balanced diet. This can include a foundation of commercial primate biscuits supplemented by lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, vitamins and live insects. If you like to take vacations, don't get a monkey. If a monkey is left alone each day, even for just a few hours, it can suffer psychologically and may develop aberrant behavior. To keep it company, you must consider adding another of its species or perhaps keeping a small troupe of monkeys to nurture and communicate with one another.
Many vets know very little about primates.
Some won't accept primates as patients. You may have to drive hundreds of miles to obtain the most routine medical care. Before you bring a monkey home, be sure to have a qualified vet give it a complete physical. Monkeys can be permanent carriers of serious illness such as tuberculosis, herpes and Ebola. We hope that you will consider carefully your decision to get a monkey.