Hi there! I understand how enticing it seems to have an exotic pet. In college, I interviewed the Austin Zoo owner. She's a great person to speak to about what it takes to care for a non-pet pet. Primates end up with her at the zoo because once they reach puberty, they are uncontrollable. It's terribly sad as they live a pampered life of love with humans, then suddenly they're behind bars and alone. Also, it's illegal to have them as pets due to zoonotic diseases and so forth. I'm glad you asked before you got yourself and an innocent animal into an unmanageable, expensive, and harmful situation.
I recommend checking out the Austin Zoo and visiting the rescue monkeys there. Many of them come from homes that tried keeping them as pets but realized they were unable to meet their needs for care. You'll get your monkey fix and learn a little about why very few people in the US try to keep monkeys as pets.
No you can't. Austin Wildlife Rescue is dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife native to Texas so that they can be released back into their natural environment. Keeping wild animals as pets is not only irresponsible, it's cruel. Only domesticated animals are suitable for human companionship. Find a shelter and adopt a cat if you need some fluffy entertainment.
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.