Captive Primate Safety Act

# Captive Primate Safety Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The Captive Primate Safety Act would restrict the private ownership of primates (monkeys, apes, and lemurs) in the United States. If passed, it would make it illegal for individuals to keep these animals as pets, with limited exceptions for licensed zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities that meet specific standards. The bill aims to protect both public safety and animal welfare. **Who it affects:** The bill would primarily affect private individuals who currently own primates as pets.

It would also impact zoos, animal sanctuaries, and research institutions that work with primates, though these would be allowed to continue under regulated conditions. State and federal wildlife agencies would be responsible for enforcing the new rules. **Key provisions:** The law would require existing private owners to surrender their animals to approved facilities and would establish federal standards for how primates can be legally kept. Violators would face penalties, and the bill includes provisions for the proper care and relocation of animals currently in private hands. **Current status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full Senate.