No, owning a monkey in Finland is prohibited under the Finnish Animal Welfare Act (247/1996) and the EU Zoos Directive (2013/83/EU). The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) enforces these restrictions, classifying non-human primates as protected species requiring special permits. Recent 2026 amendments to the Animal Welfare Act further tighten exotic pet ownership, aligning with EU biodiversity goals.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Finland
- Permit Requirement: The Finnish Food Authority may grant permits only for scientific, educational, or conservation purposes, not personal ownership. Applications undergo rigorous ethical review.
- Species-Specific Bans: All non-human primates, including capuchins and macaques, are explicitly listed as prohibited pets under the 2026 Animal Welfare Act amendments.
- Zoo Licensing: Facilities housing monkeys must comply with the EU Zoos Directive, requiring accreditation from the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Violations incur fines up to €10,000 or imprisonment under the Animal Welfare Act. The Finnish Wildlife Agency (Riista- ja kalatalouden tutkimuslaitos) monitors compliance, with 2025 inspections targeting illegal exotic pet trade networks.