Is it legal to own a capuchin monkey?

Question

Is it legal to own a capuchin monkey in the US? If it is then where can I get one?

Answer 1

You need a permit I believe to own a monkey...Not sure where to get one

Answer 2

Monkeys are not pets.

Before you get one, volunteer at a zoo.  You will learn so much about the issues of caging wildlife.  Monkeys are very difficult to keep in captivity.  Zoos have a hard time, so a family will find it very difficult.

Zoos spend thousands in special equipment to keep them contained.  Special locks and doors because they learn how to open doors.  

They have ugly sexual behavior they can't be trained out of.

They fling poo.  Just because they can.  

They hate living in cages.  In this case, your whole house will be a cage.  

Vet care will be difficult to find.

So will "baby sitters" if you want to go on vacation.  Traveling with monkeys is difficult because they carry a lot of the same diseases people do and quarantine can be expensive and tiresome.

They bite hard enough to draw blood and take fingers.  Not because they're angry, but because it's part of their communication.

They can be loud.  Again, part of communication and they can't be trained out of it.

They are as smart as children and need as much time, attention, activity and stimulation as a preschooler.  More even.  Zoos spend thousands keeping their monkeys entertained and stimulated.

They live up to 40-60 years.  Imagine having a toddler for that long.

Zoos and shelters don't take pet animals.  If (heaven forbid) something happens to you, he will be euthanized because there will be nowhere for him to go.

Please consider carefully.  Permits and all the paperwork you need is going to be expensive