No, owning a monkey in Israel is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Law (1955) and the 2023 amendments to the Animal Welfare Act, which classify non-human primates as protected species. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) enforces these restrictions, requiring special permits for scientific or educational purposes only.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Israel
- Wildlife Protection Law (1955): Bans private ownership of native or exotic wildlife, including monkeys, without an INPA-issued permit.
- 2023 Animal Welfare Act Amendments: Explicitly prohibits primates as pets, citing zoonotic disease risks and ethical concerns.
- INPA Permit Criteria: Permits for primate ownership are granted exclusively to licensed zoos, research institutions, or wildlife sanctuaries under stringent conditions.
The 2026 draft regulations propose stricter penalties, including fines up to ₪50,000 (≈$13,500) and confiscation of animals for violations. Import permits from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD) are required for any primate-related activities, but pet ownership remains illegal. Exemptions for circuses were phased out in 2024 following EU-aligned welfare standards.