Primate licence
You need a license to keep a primate. A primate is an animal of any species, other than human beings, that belong to the primate order of mammals. This includes, but is not limited to, any species of monkey, ape, lemur, loris or tarsier.
The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 requires all primate keepers to keep primates in zoo level standards of animal welfare. The only exemptions from the requirement to hold a licence under these regulations will be licensed zoos and medical/research facilities authorised under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
You must contact us before getting the primate. It's an offence for anyone to keep a primate without a valid licence.
You will need to tell us:
- the number and species of each primate you intend to keep
- the purebred status of the primate (for example, is it a hybrid, crossbreed or purebred)
- enclosure arrangements for the primate
A licence to keep primates will last for 3 years.
For more information on fees and how to apply, email us at animalwelfare@lambeth.gov.uk.