Of all the primates available to private keepers in the United Kingdom today, the one species that seems to grip most of the fascination is the Capuchin.

TSKA Exotics over the years has handled a few in so far as made available for purchase, but we handle far less actual species than we do actual enquiries.


This species is also the subject of great controversy amongst scammers, and it would appear that many novice keepers to primates have been seduced by the allure of ownership, so l think that it is perhaps best to address this species as it stands today in the UK.

Programmes such as the likes of 'My Monkey Baby' have not helped reduce the fascination but have only serve to fuel the escalating problems for this primate.



Capuchins - The UK Truths: Fact or Fiction?


1] FICTION

The Most commonly advertised species by scammers is the White Throated Capuchin also known as the White Headed Capuchin [Cebus capucinus]. This species they say is freely available.

2] FACT

The species that is available in the UK from private keepers is the Black Cap Capuchin [Cabus apella]

3] FACT

Whilst this species is available in the UK today, there are simply not that many kept in private hands. Far less 'babies' are released than the scammers would have the unwitting believe.

4] FICTION

For some bizarre reason, many believe for instance the quotes that the scammers deal out in their advertisements - prices listed as low as £400 - £1000 per animal.

5] FACT

Realistic prices for the Black Cap Capuchin are as follows:

Males can range from £4000.00 each to as much as £7000.00, whilst females can start from as little as £5000.00 and can travel up to as much as £9000.00 each. Pairs can start from as much as £16000.00.

These are the realistic prices of the Capuchin - and considering that the Black Cap is the most basic of capuchin species, one can see that the prices are at best quite breath taking!

6] FICTION

Most Capuchin buyers wish to purchase at too young an age, the younger the better they believe for the bonding process, hand rearing age is much preferred - anywhere between 1 week to 3 months.

Responsible primate keepers do not sell at this age - whilst not illegal - it is however considered immoral and unethical. Most primate keepers will not consider selling young primates from any less an age such as 9 months and beyond the 15 month bracket.

7] FICTION

Capuchins like any other primate species are born with a natural coat, there is absolutely no need for any sane person to dress up their primate in baby clothing, adorn them with jewellry and the such like - these are an animal, they are not children, nor are they to be viewed as surrogate children.

They do not need to wear nappies, if you seek a doll, then buy a doll.

Adverts such as this:

'Nice looking capuchin monkeys. they are well trained, potty trained,
currently vaccinated and have all shots, they are very good with kids and other pets, come alongside with a cage , monkey toys , monkey dresses ,
christmas outfit and a monkey manual on guide and diet. They sleeps
with us at night and comes from a home with children. Any will come with a
LARGE custom made wardrobe including 15 diaper covers, 15 short sleeved
shirts, 12 long sleeve shirts,Six pairs of overalls, 15 pairs of
shorts, 2 sweatshirts, Halloween costume, Christmas outfit, 12 pairs of pants including jeans and dress pants, 6 pairs of pajamas all her Mazuri
monkey chow, treats, biscuits and snacks, diapers and wipes, a 6X6X3 wide powder coated steel cage with two feeding stations and all of the monkey
toys'.

[Document in the making]