I am astounded by how many people these days constantly 'want' a Capuchin.

I look at many applications and laugh, for so many keepers, both novice and experienced, seriously do not understand, grasp nor comtemplate what is really needed to look after this species.

One of my clients, has a single female, she has been searching, as indeed have l for a male, of sensible money, for over 12 months now.
[Please note, we did not sell her a single Capuchin, she became a consultancy client because of her female requiring a male]

My client has written an excellent care guide, comprising some 9 pages, which l have asked RFUK if we can submit it - why on a reptile forum?

Because so many writers here of late has raised questions about primates including Capuchins. And to highlight, that this is most assuredly not a species to be taken lightly.

But l have placed the introduction here for those interested.

Whilst this is for Capuchins, this care guide does in fact highlight to all primate keepers of now and 'wannabees of tomorrow' that primates should not, nor ever be taken lightly.

Capuchins

Deciding to become a Capuchin keeper is a decision not to be take lightly –some capuchin sub-species can have a life span of 35 years in captivity and so clearly this is not a ‘fad’ animal to keep. This is not a cute animal one can use as a status symbol, nor is it an animal that can be kennelled if you go on holiday. Capuchins are extremely intelligent, sensitive, and entertaining but they are very very messy, time consuming, dangerous and very expensive. Above all it is vital to remember they are dangerous wild animals.

Just the process of being able to source a capuchin can take months, and before you do you will have to have all your insurances, licenses and enclosures in place – and most importantly you will have to be prepared!

First lets give a few ‘cannots’ to dispel some myths:

1. You cannot dress a Capuchin, nor make him/her wear nappies. They are neither ‘cute’ ‘ huggable’ or cuddly.
   
2. You cannot realistically allow him/her unrestricted access to your home. It would be dangerous to you and your primate.
   
3. You cannot put a collar and lead on a Capuchin.
   
4. You cannot lower your guard in a Capuchins presence.

You cannot ‘trust’ a Capuchin

Now what you can do:

1. You can be viciously attacked unless you follow some standard procedures.
   
2. You can easily harm a capuchin unless you have a good understanding of their needs both in the physiological and psychological sense.
   
3. You can spend an awful lot of money just feeding your capuchin.
   
4. You can spend as much time as you possibly can with your capuchin.
   
5. You can sometimes develop a wonderful friendship with your capuchin IF you remember the cannots above!

I will not bore you with the different sub-species as in the UK the most common is Black Cap Capuchins, so the following guidelines are specific to Black Cap Capuchins. The adult males have an ‘Elvis like’ appearance with black flat top fur on their heads, growing down the sides of their faces like sideburns. Females have a similar appearance with ‘tufts’ on the crowns As with all primate species, females are (usually) less aggressive than males, can form stronger bonds with their keepers, and show less dominance issues. However, a male will likely not allow a female to interact with you as she will be deemed as ‘his’

Ideally all primates (and all animal species for that matter) should be kept in pairs, this does not have to be a male/female pairing, but it’s important to remember companionship is very, very important for a healthy and contented primate. Should you only have a single capuchin they will need much, much more time from you in the way of personal company and enrichment (Capuchins being so intelligent NEED to be kept busy and contented)


Capuchins kept in the UK need to be covered by public liability insurance (varied cost depending on where in the UK you live, lowest cost approx £250 per year) You will also need to hold a DWAL (Dangerous Wild Animal Licence) obtained by your local authority, which is renewed annually and you will be inspected at the time of renewal/application (and sometimes with spot-checks too) by an Environmental Health Officer and a Veterinary Surgeon. The licence and vets fees will be due annually in addition to the fees required to apply for a licence. (fee’s differ according to which county you live in)

You will also need to have sourced a vet who can treat a capuchin should it be needed, (part of the licence requirement is for you to state both your knowledge of the species and also give confirmation that you have found a suitable vet.) It’s no good for you to have a poorly capuchins and then try and find a vet who has the specialist knowledge… and your usual cat and dog vet will just not do.

Part 1

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Research

Before contemplating purchase or ownership of a capuchin you really do need to do as much research as you can, before even thinking about enclosures etc, you should know as much about the capuchins needs as possible so that you can incorporate that into your plans. Whilst researching you will probably find much scientific information which you may feel is not relevant but I can assure you – it all is relevant to some degree! Some material from the USA, where capuchin keepers are more abundant may ‘seem’ more relevant to you, but please don’t be fooled, many USA keepers keep capuchins as if they are babies, but if you search long enough you will also find USA capuchin keepers who have photographed the massive injuries they have received from their ‘babies’.

If possible speak with current UK capuchin keepers and speak with as many as you can as each keeper will not have the same views or advice. The genuine keeper will be happy to give advice and will endeavour to help you make decisions that are right for both you and your primate.


The guide continues on, but does make for excellent reading.

Rory Matier
TSKA-Rainbow

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I don't haev a clue aout cappuchins nor do i want one id etest the idea of owning a primate, but i think the iopennign can as and cannots are good, because they are ocnsice and lay the facts out.

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