No, owning a monkey in California is prohibited under state law without a specialized permit, as primates are classified as restricted species under the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) 2023 Wildlife Code § 671. Local ordinances, such as Los Angeles County’s Municipal Code § 53.47, further restrict primate ownership, requiring compliance with both state and municipal regulations. Recent legislative shifts, including AB 2762 (2024), tighten oversight by mandating ethical sourcing and sanctuary placements for confiscated animals.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in California
- Permit Requirement: A Scientific Collecting Permit (SC-1265) from CDFW is mandatory, but issuance is rare and limited to research, education, or conservation purposes. Private ownership is effectively banned.
- Local Bans: Cities like San Francisco and San Diego enforce stricter local ordinances, prohibiting primate possession entirely, even with state permits.
- Penalties: Violations incur fines up to $50,000 under Fish and Game Code § 2580, and confiscation of the animal. Civil penalties may apply under local laws.
Exemptions exist for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or accredited zoos, but private individuals face insurmountable legal barriers. The CDFW’s 2026 compliance updates emphasize enhanced inspections and mandatory microchipping for permitted facilities, underscoring the state’s zero-tolerance stance on private primate ownership.