Monkey breeding

Monkey Breeding is the practice of mating monkeys in captivity with the intent to maintain or produce young.

Monkeys reproduce without human interference, so their offsprings' characteristics are determined by natural selection.

Domestic Monkeys may be intentionally bred by their owners. A person who intentionally mates monkeys to produce babies is referred to as a monkey breeder.

Breeding outside of zoos is typically done for commercial gain.

History

Monkeys have been bred in captivity for hundreds of years. Initially used for circus and street performance their trainers would breed stock to maintain the correct temperament and to ensure the young are tamed early.

Breeding also occurred in European zoos from the 1700s when monkeys were returned from sea voyages and the public took interest in them.

Recently large scale commercial breeders have been established. They are typically located in the USA where is there is a growing demand for monkey pets. The cost of breeding is quite high and thus only selected breeders do it in volume.

Types of Monkeys that can be Bred

Not all breeds are suited for breeding in captivity. The following is a list known to reproduce well in zoos and in private breeder facilities.

• Rehsus,
• Pigtails,
• Java,
• Snow macaque,
• Guenons,
• Patas,
• Spiders,
• Capuchins,
• Squirrels,
• Marmosets,
• Baboons,
• Chimps,

Criticism

Monkey Breeders have come under a lot of criticism in recent years². The demand to own a monkey as a pet has resulted in many focusing on commercial gain and some to resort to illegal poaching to maintain stock.

A common complaint is that the young are taken from their mothers too early.

There are however many legitimate licensed breeders who have ethical practices. These breeders have correct breeding facilities and are registered with local authorities.

References

1 http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/157/9/1192-a.pdf 2 Reference needed

External Links

1. A summary of USA state laws pertaining to Monkey Breeding and Monkey Ownership

2. Information about Monkey Breeders and owning pet monkeys