Is it legal to own a monkey in Montana?

The short answer

No. Montana lists the major monkey and ape families - Cebidae, Cercopithecidae, Callitrichidae, Atelidae, Aotidae, Pitheciidae, Hylobatidae, and Pongidae - as prohibited exotic wildlife. Prohibited-species permits go only to zoos, exhibitors, research, and similar institutions, not pet owners.

What Montana law says

ARM 12.6.2215 classifies new-world and old-world monkeys, marmosets/tamarins, gibbons, and apes as prohibited species; under ARM 12.6.2220, permits for prohibited species are limited to AZA zoos, licensed exhibitors, research institutions, and similar entities.

Which agency regulates monkeys in Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Montana.

Is there a permit for pet monkeys?

No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. AZA zoos, USDA-licensed exhibitors, research and educational institutions - not pets.

Penalties for owning a monkey illegally

Unlawful possession of a prohibited species with seizure.

Local city and county rules

Legal alternatives in Montana

• Sugar Glider in Montana — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
• Serval in Montana — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• MT Prohibited Species - ARM 12.6.2215

More animals in Montana

• Is it legal to own a raccoon in Montana?
• Is it legal to own a serval in Montana?
• Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Montana?

See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Montana 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 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.