No, owning a kangaroo in Chile is illegal under the Ley de Caza (Decreto Supremo 5/1998) and Reglamento de Protección de Especies (Resolución Exenta 154/2023), which classify non-native marsupials as exotic species requiring special permits. The Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) enforces these restrictions, and recent 2026 amendments tighten controls on invasive species ownership to protect Chile’s biodiversity.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Chile
- Prohibited Species: Kangaroos (Macropus spp.) are listed in Resolución Exenta 154/2023 as restricted exotic fauna, barring private ownership without SAG approval.
- Permit Requirements: Even for zoos or educational institutions, permits demand proof of enclosure compliance with Norma Técnica N° 1/2024, mandating biosecurity and veterinary oversight.
- Penalties: Violations incur fines up to 5,000 UTM (≈$450,000 CLP in 2026) or confiscation under Ley 20.962, with repeat offenses risking criminal liability.
Chile’s Estrategia Nacional de Especies Exóticas Invasoras (2025–2035) further restricts kangaroo imports, requiring risk assessments by the Ministerio del Medio Ambiente. Exemptions are rare, typically limited to conservation programs with SAG-approved facilities.