It is easy, when looking at this Golden Lion Tamarin, to understand how they can seem extremely desirable as pets. Depending on your perspective you might find them beautiful but there is no denying that they are an interesting and unusual monkey. The very first thing you have to consider when buying a Tamarin is whether or not it is legal where you live. As they are considered endangered wildlife you may discover that in your state or country it is illegal to purchase or own one unless you are a state registered wildlife preserve, belong to a breeding program or zoo. So, check out your national Wildlife Commission before you do anything else.
Secondly, you must add up the consequences of owning a Tamarin, such as the Emperor above – it is not quite the same as buying a goldfish. If you have small children and think that this squirrel sized monkey would be an ideal pet for them then reconsider. Many children change their minds quickly in terms of where their interests lie in terms of pets. Something that engages and entrances them at five is quite likely to be uninteresting when they were six. The Tamarin lives for eighteen years in captivity – so you know who is going to be the monkey’s primary carer for the best part of two decades, don’t you?
Tamarins, like the Cotton-Top above take a great deal of looking after. If you are childless (or child free as some say) you may want to think about your own age too. If you are of retirement age you have to be able to reassure yourself that you will still be of sound mind and body – in other words capable of looking after the little guys – in to your eighties. What happens to your pet if you quietly slip off this mortal coil before it does likewise? Your friends and relatives may not be of fond of it as you are and its fate could be one that you could not bear to envisage.
You cannot really consider buying an adult Tamarin, such as the Golden Mantle above, as unless they are handled by people from infancy they will not take to it very well as adults. They may only be the size of a squirrel and weigh little over a pound but they can still scratch and bite. So, the Tamarin is a commitment that can last almost twenty years. If you need permission to own, then after you have received that you may well have to buy a permit to own an exotic price on top of the already pretty steep cost of the monkey itself. More than likely, too, you local authority will wish to inspect the habitat in which you plan to keep your Tamarin. So, as well as being ready to commit much of your life (and the time within it) to your new pet you must also consider the expense.
If you are thinking of breeding Tamarins then that will increase the initial financial outlay as well. Selling, exhibiting or breeding Tamarins will likely be illegal where you live unless you purchase a license to do so. The animals will also have to be regularly checked by a vet to ensure that they are healthy enough to come in to contact with other Tamarins, let alone breed. That raises another issue too.
You must live near enough to a veterinarian who is skilled in the treatment of NHPs (non-human primates) in order to upkeep your Tamarin properly. Your own veterinarian may be able to refer you to one but you must remember that it will be up to you to keep vaccination and check-up records to get any licenses you have renewed. If you hate paperwork at work, then you have to recognize the fact that with a Tamarin you will get lots more of it at home.
You will not be able to give your Tamarin free range around your house as this will mean that you will not be able to get any licenses – plus it opens a veritable can of worms in terms of the health and safety of you, your family and your other household pets. The cage that you will need must be at lest three by three by five feet at the very least so if space is at a premium in your home this may not be the ideal pet. The cage should be kept clean and tidy on a daily basis with a nesting box and plenty of branches and twigs to keep the monkey happy and active.
Tamarins in the wild live in groups of up to forty individuals and they are highly social creatures. In order to ensure that your Tamarin happy, human company (although they like it) will simply not be enough. Yes, that’s right – if you are thinking of keeping one Tamarin then in order to keep the animal content you should really think about keeping two.
This will more than double the necessary volume of the cage in which you will keep your pets as two Tamarins need more space than one. Although the jury is out whether or not keeping just one constitutes cruelty, imagine if you had to live your life with no human company but with a pack of dogs instead. You would soon begin to pine, no matter how much you detest small talk!
Diet is also important and your Tamarin (the Red-handed is above) will not be a fussy eater but like many humans, variety is the spice of life and it will get bored if you continually feed it the same things – image macaroni for a month and you get the idea. They are omnivores so a mixture of fresh fruit and vegetable, eggs and whole grains will do (part of) the trick. If you do not like creepy crawlies, then beware. An important part of their diet will be crickets and mealworms – they need their protein too. You will probably have to give them calcium and vitamin C tablets too. Altogether you are probably talking about five dollars (US) per animal. Add that up over a year and when the math is done, ask yourself honestly if you can afford that.
And if you are considering buying a Tamarin to impress your friends with the clever tricks they perform then you may want to think again too. Unless you are already a professional animal trainer it is unlikely you will be able to do much that will enable you to show off to your friends. If you have considered all of the above then you will need to get some things right in the long and drawn out process of buying a Tamarin.
Where possible, try and buy direct from a breeder rather than going through a broker (such as a pet shop). They are generally much better informed about Tamarins and you will be able to learn a great deal about the family history of the animal you are purchasing. Ask a lot of questions yourself too – such as is the breeder licensed. If they are not then beat a hasty retreat and find one that is.
If you are ordering a mail order monkey (unadvisable but sheer geography may necessitate this) then buyer beware. Monkeys should not be transported on their own if they are under the age of eight weeks and if the breeder is willing to do that, then walk away. It may be one of those questions you might want to slip in slyly at some point when negotiating the purchase. Tamarins below this age are not old enough to travel on their own. If there is a delay in the transport it is unlikely that anyone will feed the little guy. He will arrive at your door either extremely distressed or dead.
The breeder should also ask you lots of questions. If they do not run through the points made at the beginning of this article to assure themselves that you are buying the Tamarin in all preparedness and for the right reasons then they are probably not a good breeder. If the breeder pushes the sale think about the reasons why they may be doing so and find another breeder. Do they talk about the psychological well being of your potential pet? If yes, then you probably have found the right place to buy.
Wherever possible try and get recommendations for a breeder rather than just finding them on the internet. You may have to research other owners in your area and ask to visit. Good owners usually welcome this as they want to ensure that the species is generally taken care of.
Finally, ensure that the Tamarin you are buying was bred in captivity. If it was born in the wild then it means that the person you are purchasing it from is contributing to the extinction of this species in the wild. There are many impoverished communities in the vicinity of the Tamarin’s natural habitat and they will hunt and trap them as a source of income. Many do not realize that the Tamarin is so critically endangered in the wild but there are steps being made to educate these communities.
You may want to consider contributing financially towards a program that is helping to preserve the species and its wild habitat. You could consider that by keeping one as a pet you are helping to preserve the species – and you are, in captivity. Try to help your buddy’s buddies in the wild, too, if you can.
Captive bred Tamarins can be hugely rewarding pets and can form a real bond with their owner that will be cherished for many years. The rewards of owning one can be manifold. The real question is not whether this is the right pet for you. The real question is whether or not you are the right owner.
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User Comments
fishfry aka Elizabeth Figueroa
On August 22, 2009 at 11:31 am
Cute creatures to watch, but too much work; and sometimes a monkey can get really nasty.
Great article thou
Glynis Smy
On August 22, 2009 at 11:40 am
I had the most amazing day caring for these monkeys. Watching the ‘king’, throw food over his shoulder for the rest and then him reaching out to take my hand, was awesome. A moment to treasure for me.
Loved the article.
Juancav
On August 22, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Amazing creatures,but worth they live in its own environment,excellent pictures.
Lauren Axelrod
On August 22, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I like their hairdo’s. MM, maybe I need a change. lol
thestickman
On August 22, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I had a squirrel monkey pet when I was a teenager. These used to be common in pets stores in the States, but not sure if they are permitted any longer.
orlandoJP
On August 22, 2009 at 11:15 pm
lol looks like a funny pet to breed
Mark Gordon Brown
On August 22, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I love these creatures. The Emperor has been a long time favorite of mine. I remember having a Golden Key book on pet monkeys as a child that was dog eared and worn and it had a picture and care guide for them.
to thestickman, in some places you can still keep non human primates without a permit, in other places you need a permit and in still others it is not allowed at all without a zoo permit. Some times it is dependent on the species in question. If the species is a CITES I or II etc etc etc.
I personally feel the certian individuals could benefit these animals by having private captive breeding programs. Those people who have a concern for the animals needs and such..
People I do not feel should breed or own monkeys are those who dress them up like dolls and such..
If you have a VERY LARGE jungle space for them either indoors or out and can care for them and will be committed to them its okay.
Chris Stonecipher
On August 23, 2009 at 12:31 am
I have seen monkeys throw other things besides food at people such as their feces. This monkeys are cute and I enjoyed reading your article.
littleoslo
On August 23, 2009 at 9:50 am
keep them free from your home please. they are not supposed to be our pets.
WF
On August 23, 2009 at 10:38 am
At last someone with some sense has written a comment. Thanks littleoslo. This is a primate, not a goldfish. Put it in a cage in your home and you are the savage.
wasabi
On August 23, 2009 at 12:45 pm
yes, littleoslo and WF are the first thoughtful comments here. i recommend anyone who thinks they might need or want any kind of primate as a pet first read a book called ‘the wauchula woods accord.’ your ideas about the notion of taking these animals and humanizing them will change, i promise you.
Cath
On August 23, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I believe this is a highly irresponsible post. Encouraging the ownership of exotic pets is foolish. Much like what happens at Easter, flocks of people will rush out and find ways of adopting such cute animals with little regard to their care and personality, or how they got into the country. Many many excuses are given once the cute little creature is seen and little regard to their future is given.
Yes, you’ve written a good amount of advice, and make all the right suggestions, but I doubt anyone will read it thorougly or do further research. They will just see all the cute pictures and only hear the words “adopt a Tamarin..they’re good pets”.
What happens when baby Tamarins are taken from the wild to satisfy demand? Where will discarded “unruly” Tamarins go for proper care when lazy inconsiderate owners are “fed-up” with them?
Encouraging the ownership of ANY exotic pet is NOT a way to “save” them, in my opinion! You’re right in suggesting that people donate money to “virtually adopt” wild Tamarins…that is where they need to stay.
R J Evans
On August 23, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Anyone who carefully reads this will know that it is written much more to discourage ownership of Tamarins than to encourage it! It was meant as an antidote to all the stuff on the net that wilfully encourages it. Anyone who reads through and gets to the end is highly unlikely to pursue ownership – or at least that is what I thought!
Anne McNew
On August 23, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I like the photos and this post gives me new information I’ve never heard before. thanks for sharing.
Theresa Johnson
On August 23, 2009 at 9:10 pm
great article. wonderful work rj. I would never think of owning one but i will agree they are beautiful animals
hamghw
On August 23, 2009 at 10:42 pm
amazing photo
JLEck
On August 23, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Think… they are basically just little people…with wild hair…like a miniature Keith Richards…would you want to have a miniature Keith Richards caged up in your house?
jman129
On August 24, 2009 at 12:45 am
Those Orange ones are golden lion tamarins and are a severly endangered species these animals should only be kept by copetent owners with large areas and tons of money for partnership (remember these animals need copany) and food and a suitable environment… this is not a pet for anyone without THOUSANDS of expendable dollars
James DeVere
On August 24, 2009 at 12:58 am
They were always in those extravagant paintings from the Age of Exploration. Cute.
j
AngelaDavid
On August 24, 2009 at 2:25 am
I enjoyed reading your article. I can understand from what I have read that it would be best to help the little guys in their own environment. Your research is very informative and extensive. Thank you for sharing.
s j tubrazy
On August 24, 2009 at 3:43 am
really amazing creature, great job by Evans
Daisy Peasblossom
On August 24, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Thoughtful and informative, with lovely pictures. However, I think I have enough responsibility with my cats and dogs. I noted that the article is to discourage–or at least to shed some light on the tremendous responsibility of owning one of these creatures. There is also excellent information for the person who still thinks they would like to have one.
cebuanaeyez
On August 24, 2009 at 9:52 pm
As adorable as they are, I will not have one for a pet. I already have two children…lol
TheSecondAndOnly
On August 25, 2009 at 3:53 am
Wow, those are cute, nice article
Eileen
On August 25, 2009 at 3:55 pm
To those oppose the ownership of exotics, it is not irresponsible or cruel to own an “exotic” species. Exotics are domestic in the country they originate in. People put this taboo on exotic pets. The animal is not the issue. It is irresponsible owners, occurring in ALL animal species, who ruin it for those that are responsible. The GREATEST threat to wild primates is not the pet trade, but Habitat Encroachment, poaching for food, and killing because they are a nuisance. Throw in use in research which imports them in the thousands in the case of primates…This is true of almost all endangered species. The pet trade is a HIGHLY OVERRATED reason for extinction, especially since most countries have laws against capture. Animals entered into the pet trade are usually the byproduct of the first 3 reasons. It the first 3 aren’t eliminated then stopping their keeping as “pets” won’t do much for preserving wild species. Good luck stopping habitat encroachment. Most animals have dwindled so much, that keeping and captive breeding of these animals by knowledgeable individuals who understand the multi-faceted needs of these animals is not a bad thing. Their import into the US as pet is Illegal. One must buy a captive bred primate IN the US. So it would be contributing to their survival. If there is a demand for the animal, it will not go extinct because there will be those to supply them (breeders). If their is no demand the animals are of no value to people and will therefore not be bred. Their habitats will continue to be encroached upon, but none will be bred= EXTINCTION. I know many don’t like to think of animals in terms of monetary value but I must be realistic. Think of cows. Cows will not go extinct bc they have a value (raised and bred for food). Same with pigs, chickens, etc.
For those who say they belong only in zoos. Zoos have limited space, & usually have only animals that the AZA SSP deems worth saving & Breeding. Zoos can’t breed all animals bc there is no funding or space, especially in the economic climate of today. So if a private individual has an affinity for, and knowledge to properly rear one of these magnificent creatures I support it 100%.
I think awareness should be brought to local people so that they stop the major reasons of species endangerment, and educate those who think they want to own a primate or any other animal as a pet. ALL pets require responsibility, not just exotic ones.
Sammycat
On August 30, 2009 at 12:01 am
Excellent comment R J Evans. I agree with you 100%. Humans are breeding beyond control. Nature keeps trying to cull us and we keep coming up with antidotes. That’s ok, she’ll get us eventually.
Pippi
On January 28, 2010 at 6:04 pm
@ Cath: You can’t import tamarins from the wild, it’s ILLEGAL and has been since the 1970’s- you will get arrested by the authorities. All tamarins being kept as pets in the US are captive-bred.
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