No. Owning a monkey in Alaska is prohibited under Alaska Statute § 16.50.255, which classifies non-human primates as prohibited wildlife. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game enforces this ban, citing public health risks and animal welfare concerns. Exceptions for licensed zoos or research facilities require federal permits under the Animal Welfare Act.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Alaska
- State Prohibition: AS § 16.50.255 explicitly bans private ownership of non-human primates, including monkeys, without exception for pets.
- Federal Override: Even if state restrictions were lifted, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2026 proposed rule under the Lacey Act would further restrict primate imports, tightening compliance burdens.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: The Alaska Division of Wildlife Conservation conducts annual inspections of licensed facilities, with violations punishable by fines up to $10,000 and confiscation under AS 16.05.900.
Local municipalities, such as Anchorage, have additional ordinances reinforcing state restrictions. The Municipality of Anchorage Code § 14.10.020 mirrors state law, explicitly prohibiting primate possession within city limits. Violations trigger municipal citations, compounding state penalties. Prospective owners must verify compliance with both state and local authorities, though exemptions remain exceedingly rare.