No. Owning a monkey in Brazil is illegal under federal wildlife protection laws unless authorized for scientific, educational, or conservation purposes. The 2026 amendments to the Biodiversity Law (Law No. 14.741/2023) reinforce penalties, including fines up to R$50 million and imprisonment for illegal possession.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Brazil
- Wildlife Protection Law (Law No. 5.197/1967): Prohibits private ownership of native wildlife, including primates, without explicit authorization from IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources). Exceptions require proof of legal acquisition prior to 1967 or rehabilitation permits.
- Biodiversity Law (Law No. 14.741/2023): Introduced stricter controls, mandating that all existing private holdings of native species must register with IBAMA by 2026 or face confiscation. Non-compliance triggers automatic legal proceedings.
- CITES Compliance: Brazil adheres to CITES Appendix II, requiring permits for any cross-border movement of primates. Domestic transfers between licensed entities (e.g., zoos, research centers) demand prior approval from ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation).
Enforcement prioritizes urban centers like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where illegal pet trade persists. Violations are prosecuted under the Environmental Crimes Law (Law No. 9.605/1998), with courts increasingly imposing asset forfeiture alongside custodial sentences.