Is it legal to own a monkey in Mississippi?
The short answer
It depends on the species. Mississippi classifies apes, macaques, and baboons as 'inherently dangerous,' requiring a permit, heavy insurance, and strict caging. Smaller monkeys such as capuchins are not on that list and need no state permit.
What Mississippi law says
Miss. Code 49-8-5 lists Pongidae (apes), macaques, and baboons as inherently dangerous, requiring a personal-possession permit under Rule 8.3; monkeys not named on the list fall outside that permit regime.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Mississippi
Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Mississippi.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
Yes — the Inherently Dangerous Wild Animal — Personal Possession Permit, issued by Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks ($150 (primates)). Zoos, universities, government agencies, and sanctuaries may be exempted by the Commission.
Penalties and enforcement
Possessing a listed primate without a permit is a Class I violation — $2,000–$5,000 fine, five days in jail, and loss of hunting/fishing privileges.
Local city and county rules
Counties and cities may enact stricter bans on any primate.
Legal alternatives in Mississippi
- Serval in Mississippi — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
- Fennec Fox in Mississippi — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a capuchin legal in Mississippi?
Yes — smaller monkeys are not on the inherently-dangerous list, so no state permit is required; apes, macaques, and baboons need one.
Sources
More animals in Mississippi
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Mississippi?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Mississippi?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Mississippi?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Mississippi page, or compare every state on the pet monkey laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.