In the state of Idaho, all non-human primates are deemed deleterious exotic animals, which are regulated under IDAPA 02.04.27. Deleterious exotic animals must not be kept as pets in Idaho without a permit from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). However, four primate species are exempt from this rule. These include capuchin monkeys, marmosets, spider monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. These species of monkeys are not considered deleterious exotic animals and can be kept as pets in Idaho.
Capuchin monkey
You don't need to obtain a permit from the ISDA to own a pet capuchin monkey in Idaho. Capuchin monkeys typically measure 12 to 22 inches in length and weigh between 3 and 9 pounds on average. They're generally full of energy and require enrichment and an active lifestyle. Capuchins may be cute as babies, however, as they get older, they can easily get bored if they don't get enough stimulation.
Bored Capuchin monkeys often engage in destructive behaviors, rendering them difficult to care for. So, before bringing home a capuchin monkey, many factors must be considered. For starters, owning a capuchin monkey is a long-term commitment, as they can live more than 40 years in human care. Capuchins are deemed the smartest of the New World monkeys and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000.
Marmoset
Marmoset monkeys are legal to own as pets in Idaho, as they aren't considered deleterious exotic animals. Marmosets are small, squirrel-like monkeys with black-brown fur, white faces, and black ear tufts. There are more than 20 species of marmosets, with the pygmy marmoset being the smallest. Although all marmosets are relatively small, the pygmy generally grows no longer than 4.6 to 6.2 inches and weighs no more than 3 to 5 ounces. Pygmy marmosets are one of the most common marmoset species kept as pets. They are popular partly because of their small size.
Another species of marmoset that is commonly kept as pets in the U.S. is the common marmoset, also called white-tufted marmoset. What sets common marmosets apart from pygmy marmosets is their size and some other characteristics. Common marmosets weigh around 14 ounces and stand from 7.28 to 7.40 inches tall, with males being slightly larger than females. They are the most common marmoset species kept as pets in the U.S.
Common marmosets can live up to 16 years when kept as pets. Pygmy marmosets, on the other hand, can up to 18 years in captivity.
Also known as finger monkeys, pygmy marmosets' prices range from $1,000 to $4,000. On the other hand, common marmosets range in price from $4000-7500.
Spider monkey
Spider monkeys are one of the four monkey species you can own as pets without a permit in Idaho. Unlike marmosets, spider monkeys are large New World monkeys that can grow up to 21 inches long and weigh up to 18 pounds. They have long tails, long arms, and hook-like hands. Like capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys can live up to 40 years in captivity. You can buy a baby spider monkey in the U.S. for about $6,000. By all accounts, spider monkeys do not make good pets, as they have complex needs that can't be met in a human home. In 2023, a Mississippi family reunited with their beloved pet spider monkey 24 hours after the primate escaped into the woods, The Post reported.
Squirrel monkey
The fourth monkey species legal to own as pets in Idaho is the squirrel monkey. One of the smallest members of the primate group, the squirrel monkey measures about 12.5 inches in body length and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds. Squirrel monkeys live up to 27 years in captivity. In the wild, they usually live between 15 and 20 years. They are generally not aggressive, but these monkeys are usually shy. Squirrel monkeys are relatively independent in nature. As such, they generally do not crave human attention (even those kept as pets), unlike other species, such as the capuchin monkey.
Of the four primates you could have for a pet in Idaho, the squirrel monkey requires an insane amount of care and attention. They can be very destructive when you fail to sufficiently entertain and stimulate them. In the United States, squirrel monkeys range in price from $8,500- to $11,000.
Conclusion
All non-human primates are illegal to own as pets in Idaho, except for capuchin, marmoset, spider, and squirrel monkeys.
