Is it possible to have a monkey on a sailboat?

Hi, I’m curious about getting a monkey as a pet for my sailboat. It’s been my dream to have a monkey companion for as long as I can remember. I know monkeys need a lot of attention, but I believe my lifestyle on a boat could suit them well. Let me know if that’s a bad idea. Thanks a lot!

Monkeys aren’t good pets. They’re like furry toddlers that need care for decades. They throw feces, scream, and aren’t always friendly. On a boat, a monkey would not have the space or activities it needs. Plus, buying a monkey supports a cruel trade where babies are taken from their mothers too early.

Owning a monkey takes up so much space, money, and nearly all your time. It’s a huge commitment.

Monkeys can’t swim and they like to bite, masturbate, and throw poop. Maybe this isn’t the best idea.

Teegan said:
Monkeys can’t swim and they like to bite, masturbate, and throw poop. Maybe this isn’t the best idea.

Well, at least we have two things in common.

Teegan said:
Monkeys can’t swim and they like to bite, masturbate, and throw poop. Maybe this isn’t the best idea.

That’s not true. Not all monkeys act like that.

Shai said:

Teegan said:
Monkeys can’t swim and they like to bite, masturbate, and throw poop. Maybe this isn’t the best idea.

That’s not true. Not all monkeys act like that.

Really? Are you saying I made all that up from my time working with animals in a zoo and as a vet assistant?

@Teegan
You made it sound like all monkeys do those things. Some monkeys, like macaques, love to swim. All animals bite sometimes, but it’s rare for monkeys to throw poop.

Shai said:
@Teegan
You made it sound like all monkeys do those things. Some monkeys, like macaques, love to swim. All animals bite sometimes, but it’s rare for monkeys to throw poop.

They’ll do those things with an inexperienced owner who thinks animals are just for fun. It’s not a pirate fantasy, it’s a real life responsibility.

@Teegan
Macaques swim in the wild. Some even dive for crabs. They bite, but not many throw poop. But monkeys are not just pets or accessories for fantasies.

@Teegan
If you think I’m doing this just for fun, you’re wrong. I’ve wanted a monkey and to sail since I was 10. I understand I’m inexperienced, which is why I wanted to ask others first. I’ve also rescued and cared for a raccoon, and she stayed with me until she passed. So stop assuming things about me without knowing the full story.

@Jamie
Monkeys don’t belong in homes or on boats. Even in zoos, they struggle emotionally. Get a dog instead.

I understand why people are upset, but I don’t think you’re trying to be mean. It’s just almost impossible to keep a primate ethically, especially on a boat. They’re super smart and need more space than a boat can offer. Plus, taking them from the wild harms them emotionally. If you care about the animal, you have to let go of that dream. If you’re looking for a clever pet that can hang out with you, maybe consider parrots. I’m not sure how they do on boats, but some people keep them as pets. Just be sure to get advice from experienced parrot owners, not random pet stores or online sources.