How to Keep a Spider Monkey as a Pet

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Buy spider monkeys only from reputable dealers as the illegal animal trade is especially active with sales of primates. Spider monkeys are arboreal species from tropical America and wild monkeys are not fit for keeping as pets.
Step 2:
Prepare the habitat for the spider monkey. Special attention must be paid to the monkey's climbing habitat. Spider monkeys have extremely strong prehensile tails and in nature they spend most of their time in the trees. Domesticated spider monkeys should have a habitat constructed from non-toxic natural materials.
Step 3:
Create a warm, climate controlled environment for the spider monkey. Spider monkeys are tropical animals and cold weather and drafts can cause respiratory illnesses and death. In addition, proper humidity levels should be maintained during the winter months.
Step 4:
Find a trusted animal doctor for emergencies. Reputable dealers of spider monkeys can recommend capable veterinarians and sources for pharmaceuticals. Do not give medicines intended for humans to spider monkeys.
Step 5:
Protect spider monkeys from other domestic animals such as cats and dogs. Domestic animals are territorial and will compete with and try to eliminate new animals. Spider monkeys are especially curious about other animals and will harass household pets if allowed to roam freely.

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