If you’ve ever wondered whether you can own a chimpanzee in Massachusetts, the short answer is no — and the reasons go well beyond common sense about keeping a wild animal in your living room. Two separate layers of law, state and federal, both treat chimpanzees as protected wildlife rather than pets, and neither one offers an easy permit path for private individuals.
This breakdown walks through what federal law actually says about primate ownership, how Massachusetts regulates chimpanzees specifically, what permits (if any) exist, which local rules might apply on top of state law, and what penalties you could face for keeping one illegally.
Important Note: This article explains general legal information based on published state and federal statutes. It is not legal advice. If you have a specific situation involving a primate, contact MassWildlife or a licensed Massachusetts attorney directly.
Is It Legal to Own a Chimpanzee in Massachusetts
No. Private individuals cannot legally own a chimpanzee as a pet in Massachusetts. The chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes, is classified as a Great Ape, and all Great Apes are considered endangered under federal law , which triggers protection under Massachusetts’ own endangered species statute as well as its general exotic animal law…