Is it legal to own a monkey in Nebraska?
The short answer
Yes, at the state level. Nebraska's captive-wildlife law bans wild cats, bears, wolves, and skunks - primates are not on the prohibited list, and they are not on Game & Parks' list of species needing a Captive Wildlife Permit either, so the state effectively does not regulate pet monkeys. Be aware the statute's broad 'wild mammals' wording and city ordinances (Omaha and Lincoln restrict primates) still create practical hurdles.
What Nebraska law says
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-477(2) prohibits only wolves, skunks, Felidae, and Ursidae; Game & Parks' published permit-required species list covers native mammals and birds and does not include primates.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Nebraska
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Nebraska.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at the state level for lawful possession; violations of local ordinances carry municipal fines and impoundment.
Local city and county rules
Omaha, Lincoln, and other municipalities restrict or ban primates - local law is the main obstacle in Nebraska.
Legal alternatives in Nebraska
- Sugar Glider in Nebraska — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nebraska Game & Parks issue permits for monkeys?
No - primates are not on the Captive Wildlife Permit species list, so the Commission neither permits nor prohibits them. Confirm your city allows them before buying.
Sources
More animals in Nebraska
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Nebraska?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Nebraska?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Nebraska?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Nebraska 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 Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.