It is strictly regulated.
Owning a monkey in Colombia requires compliance with wildlife protection laws enforced by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS) and regional environmental authorities like CARs. The 2026 amendments to Decree 1076 of 2015 further restrict private ownership, mandating permits for rehabilitation or scientific purposes only. Unauthorized possession risks confiscation, fines up to 10,000 minimum legal wages, or criminal charges under Law 1955 of 2019.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Colombia
- CITES and National Permits: Only species listed in CITES Appendix I or II may be owned with a Permiso de Recolección de Especímenes de la Diversidad Biológica from MADS, typically reserved for zoos or research institutions.
- Prohibited Species: Native species like Cebus capucinus or Alouatta seniculus are strictly off-limits; foreign species (e.g., Macaca mulatta) require proof of legal importation prior to 2020.
- Rehabilitation Exemption: Individuals may temporarily house confiscated or injured monkeys under a Permiso de Tenencia Transitoria issued by regional CARs, valid for up to 18 months pending release.
Enforcement prioritizes illegal trafficking networks, with MADS collaborating with the National Police’s Environmental Crimes Unit. Private ownership remains de facto banned unless tied to conservation programs. Violations trigger administrative proceedings under Resolution 1912 of 2017, which outlines penalties for unauthorized captivity.