i want a chimp

[gingerflaps]

can anyone tell me if it is legal to have a chimp as a pet. i have always wanted one, i love monkeys

[smudge]

I've always adored chimps too. They appear more intelligent & affectionate than some people I know!

[FastBarry]

I thought you already had one, don't you send him out to work every day.

Seriously though, it isn't illegal providing you hold a licence as provided under the "Dangerous Wild Animals Act" and you have to comply with certain planning regulations and you have to hold insurance to cover you against claims caused by damage to other peoples property by said animals and you have to adhere to other conditions as contained within the act.

Other than that and provided you have several thousand pounds to go out and buy one then there is nothing stopping you. Good Luck. :-)

[Robinia]

I do hope you're not serious gingerflaps.

http://www.savethechimps.org/chimps_pets.asp

[FastBarry]

Incidentally, the license fee depending on which local council you come under ranges from �99 up to �441 plus vet inspection fees.

Alternatively gingerflaps you could have me and we could have a right old tea party together.

[natalie_1982]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals_and_Nature/Question91746.html

See this previous post.

[Robinia]

Thanks for finding that natalie. Glad I'm not the only one totally against. (And aghast!!)

[FastBarry]

Any road up, I'm sure you are not really serious.

Wasn't there a report recently where a zoo keeper or trainer was attacked and had his face and ears ripped off by a chimp. Not very nice but it does demonstrate as everyone has said that they are not suitable as pets.

However, you could probably help by sponsoring a chimp. Most zoos, the WWF, RSPCA etc have a sponsorship programme of some kind. Just google animal sponsor.

[butter1]

after reading the website Robinia has posted I would strongly advise you not to consider owning a chimp.  Poor things, that website almost made me cry!  I believe all animals like this belong in the wild.

[smudge]

gingerflaps - I would agree with Robinia & natalie.

I do love to watch their antics on wildlife programmes, along with gorillas, etc., but would never wish to keep one! They should be free to live in their natural habitat - along with birds & the like.

[smudge]

P.S. I remember years ago in Petticoat Lane, London, people used to have their photo's taken cuddling a poor little chimp - I thought this was so unnatural & cruel.

Needless to say, none of my family ever succumbed to the profit making photographer's constant pestering!

[gingerflaps]

well i would have it from a baby, and take really good care of it. i know its never gonna happen but its always been my dream, i think i would rarther look after them then have them caged up or worse, captured and killed.

and yes when i was a baby i had a picture taken with 1 but i was only a yr old so i cant remember it. i think the whole chimp obsession stems back from the sub-consious memory of somthing. thanx for the info n e ways.  xxx

[MORELLO]

Chimp? Chump.

[morg_monster]

You know they are a big commitment - they can live for more than 50 years. You could never leave it alone in the house, you WOULD have to put it in some kind of cage when you went out unless you wanted your house picked apart. WHen it was an adult it would be too heavy tocarry you'd have to put it on a lead or strap it in a buggy to go out for a walk.
They are so intelligent, you would also have to entertain it during its every waking hour, it would be like having a child that can't talk but just hoots and screams at you...!

My friend is doing a PhD on chimp vocalisations and has worked in the wild with them and in zoos. she tells me that chimps in captivity exhibit some strange behaviours no matter how well they are looked after - the kind of things you DO NOT want happening in your living room!

If you ever were in a position to get one... you could always use the money to go on one of those charity trips and help look after baby chimps for a few months.

[funkychicken]

couldn't you get a job in a zoo instead?

[MargeB]

Morg, where is she doing the PhD?

Why did I say 'she'? Why is it women that take on all the primate behaviour jobs? :-)

[morg_monster]

you're right - it is a she! She's at St. Andrews oop north. She was interviewed for an article that was in the Independent on monday - v exciting!

[Ember]

Watch MonkeyBusiness on Sky Animal Channel and you will see how unnatural it is for chimps to be domesticated.    Its on most nights about 8.30 and you can follow the story of the wonderful work that Monkey World do in the South of England in rescuing chimps from homes, zoos, photographers and how it takes ages for them to adapt to a natural life, but when they do what a difference it makes to the animal.   If you watch one or two episodes of that you will never want to domesticate a chimp.    Anyone else seen it?

[smudge]

Yes I have Ember & I agree with you.

[funkychicken]

I've been to Monkey World!!!