Can I have a chimpanzee as a pet?

As adults, chimpanzees have at least five times the strength of humans – too much for any pet owner to manage! Zoos usually refuse to accept pets because they tend not to fit into established groups. Historically, many pet chimps ended up in medical research laboratories. Today they are likely to end up in a roadside zoo. read more

While a chimpanzee will live and grow on a diet of fast food, spaghetti, and Chinese take-out, it will not be a long and healthy life. Chimpanzee Veterinary Care. Regular veterinary visits should be a part of your chimps life. Heart disease, dental disease (chimps have 32 teeth), and diabetes are common in pet chimpanzees. read more

Given that the laws in your area allow it and you can afford one (they’re $1500 USD and up and that’s only the initial purchase price) you certainly can have a chimpanzee as a pet. Whether you should have one is an entirely different thing. My answer would be not only no, but hell no for all the reasons Mercedes Lackey listed in her answer. read more