No, owning a monkey in Minnesota is prohibited under the state’s Wild Animal Possession Rules (Minn. Stat. § 97A.015) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforcement guidelines. The DNR classifies non-human primates as inherently dangerous species, barring private ownership without a special permit, which is nearly impossible to obtain. Local ordinances, such as those in Minneapolis and St. Paul, further restrict exotic pet ownership, aligning with statewide conservation and public safety priorities.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Minnesota
- State Permit Ban: The DNR’s 2024 Exotic Wildlife Policy explicitly prohibits the issuance of permits for non-human primate ownership, citing zoonotic disease risks and public safety concerns.
- Local Ordinance Overlaps: Municipal codes in major cities (e.g., Minneapolis Code § 6.120) mirror state restrictions, imposing additional fines or confiscation for violations.
- Federal Compliance: Even if state permits were hypothetically granted, federal Lacey Act violations would arise from interstate transport of protected species, as primates are listed under CITES Appendix II.