Can I keep a lemur as a pet?
Many people dream of having a pet monkey, so it’s no wonder that fellow primates, lemurs, are relatively popular exotic pets. These fascinating animals have beautiful colors, striking eyes and enough charisma to make a presence in popular media and wildlife campaigns. Because of this, some may wonder how one can have a lemur as a pet and where it is legal.
It may be obvious that lemurs are not commonly kept as pets for specific reasons. A search for “pet lemurs” reveals that many people are against keeping them, but many of these reasons are irrelevant. Anyone interested in pet lemurs should look for answers to the following questions:
- Are lemurs legal where I live?
- How much does a lemur cost?
- What kind of housing do they need?
- Are there any veterinarians who treat primates?
- What are the challenges of owning primates?
Is it legal to own a lemur?
Keeping a lemur or pet primate requires a good knowledge of the legal disputes you will inevitably face. Primates are illegal in most states and many cities and counties in the United States. This seems to be the case in other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
- These legal complexities also affect states where you can legally drive with your lemur. It is important to note that endangered lemur species cannot be legally sold across state lines.
- States where lemurs are legal include North Carolina, Nevada, Florida (with permits), Texas, and Ohio (with registration). Sadly, there are many more cities and counties in these states with exotic animal regulations in place, and the numbers are steadily increasing each year.
- Before you get a pet lemur, ask yourself if you’re willing to take on these potential legal burdens. Your state, city, or county may decide to ban primates at any time, so you’ll need to attend a conference to claim your rights to own an exotic pet.
How to keep a lemur
Before purchasing a pet lemur, we recommend setting up the cage in advance. Baby lemurs can be housed in smaller commercial cages, but the final adult cage is ideally a large walk-in cage that can be time-consuming to assemble and birth. It cannot be overemphasized that the right housing environment greatly enhances the lemur housing experience. The larger the enclosure, the more space you have for exercise and fulfilling your essentials.
buy a pet lemur
There are a surprising number of places where lemurs are available to private owners. Lemurs as a whole are troubled in the wild, but certain species thrive easily in captivity. Ring-tailed lemurs are the most popular and common of the primitive monkeys kept as pets.
As this is a very social species, it is highly recommended to have at least two animals. Wagao in particular has a wealth of anecdotal evidence that it is the most aggressive of all available lemur species.
How much does a lemur cost?
price: $1000 to $9000
Expect to pay thousands of dollars for a lemur, regardless of age or breed. On average, a baby ring-tailed lemur costs about $2500, but prices can vary. Less common species, such as ruffed lemurs, start at around $4,500 but can exceed $6,000. Among primates, lemurs are relatively inexpensive. However, the overall cost of lemurs is much higher due to enclosures, veterinary costs, and the need for continuous reinforcement.
- Some ring-tailed lemurs cost as much as $1,000, a bargain for an exotic pet, especially a primate.
- Lemurs are sometimes sold at specialized pet stores. But as a first-time owner, it’s more important to find a very reputable breeder who’s willing to answer your questions and honestly discuss what it’s like to adopt a baby.
- You can find lemurs for sale in advertisements on the web, but many are older animals that should be re-raised by experienced owners. Don’t buy the “cheapest” animal, and as a primate owner, assume that it will cost you a lot of money to own an animal.
Ruffed lemur
Ruffed lemur Valesia Anecdotes say that they are less aggressive than ring-tailed lemurs. However, they are less common and therefore more expensive. As with other primates, it is preferable to keep multiples of this species despite the low propensity for aggression associated with human imprinting.
Please secure your veterinarian before purchasing
Most vets only see dogs and cats. Moreover, even veterinarians who claim to see “exotic” animals will refuse to see primates due to concerns about zoonotic diseases and the biting ability of some species and individuals.
If possible, also look for clinics that can see primates after hours, as these are times when emergencies are more likely to occur. You don’t want to end up with an injured or sick animal without access to medical care.
Are lemurs right for you?
Once again, consider all the downsides of owning a lemur. Lemur owners have a bad reputation because people unprepared for what primate ownership entails returning poorly cared for animals back to shelters, and guardians urging the public to: often receive no one you have to keep them all. This is why I am so reluctant to own a lemur or an unusual pet. Consider the following:
- Lemurs need plenty of space to exercise, preferably in outdoor enclosures.
- Veterinary care is often more expensive than traditional pet care, and general checkups may require sedation.
- Lemurs should always stay in the state where they live and are discouraged from interacting with members of the public.
- When their mental well-being is compromised, they are prone to aggression, self-harm, and “neurotic” behavior.
- They can live up to about 20 years.
References
- AZA Primordial Monkey Taxon Advisory Group (2013). Euremur Care Manual.Silver Spring, Maryland: Society
- Dragonstone Ranch. baby lemurs for sale.
- Lemur breeding. facebook group. various testimonies.
zoo and aquarium - Taylor, K. “Ring-Tailed Lemur Husbandry Manual.” Australia: Taronga Western Plains Zoo (2009).
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. The Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for personal advisors or professional advice in business, financial, legal or technical matters.
© 2022 Melissa Smith