Bush babies, also known as galagos, are increasingly popular exotic pets. With their large eyes and soft fur, it’s easy to see why many people find them appealing. But is it legal to own a bush baby? And what’s involved in properly caring for one?
This comprehensive guide will provide all the details on bush baby ownership laws, costs, care requirements, and more.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: in most of the United States, it is legal to own a bush baby with proper permits and licenses. However, they require specialized care and housing, so owning one is a major commitment.
Bush Baby Ownership Laws
Federal Laws
At the federal level, owning a bush baby as a pet is generally prohibited in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the import and possession of exotic animals under the Animal Welfare Act.
Bush babies are not currently listed as a prohibited species under the AWA, but they are not explicitly permitted either. The law generally prohibits interstate transport and commerce of bush babies for the pet trade.
There are some narrow exceptions that allow research facilities, zoos, circuses, and federally licensed commercial breeders to own bush babies if they obtain a USDA Class C Exhibitor license. However, the licensing requirements are strict and the general public cannot legally obtain bush babies for pets under federal law.
State Laws
Many states have additional exotic pet laws that prohibit private ownership of bush babies. For example, New York, New Jersey, and California all have comprehensive laws banning possession of non-native primates like bush babies.
Some states like Wisconsin only allow ownership by those who obtain a state-issued captive wild animal farm license.
A minority of states, such as Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, and Idaho have little to no exotic pet laws. But even in these states, bush babies cannot be legally imported from abroad or transported across state lines due to federal regulations.
Local Laws
Some city and county governments have adopted local ordinances that restrict or ban ownership of exotic pets like bush babies. For example, Miami-Dade County in Florida prohibits ownership of bush babies. Careful research should be done to determine if a local exotic pet ordinance exists.
Import Regulations
Importing bush babies into the United States is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Most galago species have been listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning their trade is closely controlled.
Anyone seeking to import a bush baby must obtain an import permit from USFWS demonstrating that trade will not be detrimental to wild populations.
Private individuals looking to import a bush baby as a pet will almost never be granted a permit. Only accredited zoos or research institutions are permitted to import bush babies into the U.S. Furthermore, knowingly importing a bush baby without following CITES permit procedures can result in civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
Costs of Owning a Bush Baby
Purchase Price
Bush babies are exotic pets that can cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to purchase initially. The price depends on factors like the breeder’s reputation, the animal’s age, gender, and genetic background. Reputable breeders often charge more for healthy, socialized babies.
Older bush babies or those from questionable sources tend to cost less.
Housing
Proper bush baby housing is expensive. An adequate enclosure will cost $800-$2,000 to build or buy. It needs to be a tall, wire cage or aviary at least 6 feet high and 4 feet wide and deep. You’ll also need branches, ropes, ledges, and boxes for climbing and hiding.
The environment should mimic their natural habitat. Plus you’ll need safety precautions like locks and hot wiring to prevent escapes.
Food
Feeding a proper diet is pricey but vital. Bush babies are omnivores who need variety. A daily diet may cost $3-$5 per animal and include fruits, vegetables, protein like insects and eggs, nectar, and a quality pellet formula. They need fresh foods, so you’ll make frequent grocery store trips.
Multiply this daily cost by lifespan of 12-15 years.
Enrichment and Toys
Keeping bush babies stimulated mentally and physically requires lots of enrichment items. You’ll need a rotation of fun toys like balls, tunnels, swings, treat puzzles, and more. Expect to spend at least $50/month to keep them engaged and entertained.
Provide new experiences too – let them explore rooms or go outside (supervised).
Vet Bills
Exotic vets are specialized, so care costs more. Annual checkups average $75-$150 per bush baby. Any illness or injury gets expensive fast. For example, a broken limb may require surgery costing $3,000+. Good insurance can offset some costs.
Lifetime care from a qualified exotics vet helps ensure a healthy, long life.
Bush Baby Care Requirements
Enclosure Size and Set Up
Bush babies are arboreal creatures, meaning they live in trees in the wild. It’s important to recreate this environment in captivity as much as possible. An enclosure should be at least 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide and deep.
Fill it with plenty of branches, ropes, hammocks, and platforms for climbing and jumping. The bottom can be lined with substrate like coconut fiber bedding. Be sure to include ample hiding spots like boxes and tubes.
Temperature and Humidity
Bush babies thrive at temperatures between 75-85°F with a humidity level of 50-60%. Monitor levels daily and make adjustments as needed. Cool mist humidifiers and heat lamps can help maintain ideal conditions. The enclosure should have a 12 hour light/dark cycle.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, bush babies eat fruit, insects, tree sap, eggs, and small vertebrates. In captivity a varied diet is ideal. Offer a quality primate pellet along with fresh fruits like bananas, mangos, and apples. Supplement with protein sources like cooked eggs, mealworms, crickets, or chicken.
Feed 1-2 tablespoons twice per day. Provide fresh water at all times in bowls or bottles.
Enrichment
As intelligent and active animals, enrichment is key for bush babies. Provide plenty of toys for climbing, chewing, and mental stimulation. Rotating toys helps prevent boredom. Allow time outside the enclosure each day for supervised play and exploration.
Socialization with compatible bush babies also provides enrichment.
Socialization
Bush babies can be social if properly introduced in same sex pairs or small groups. Never house males together due to aggression and territorial issues. Females may fight at first but often become compatible with time. Always monitor interactions closely, providing places to retreat if needed.
Solitary housing may be best for some bush babies.
Training
Positive reinforcement training is highly recommended for bush babies. Target training and clicker training are great ways to engage their minds and build trust. Favorite treats make ideal rewards. With time and patience, bush babies can learn to voluntarily enter transport cages, present for examination, and more.
This reduces stress for all involved.
Grooming
Aside from occasional bathing, bush babies require little grooming. Trim nails as needed, being careful not to clip the quick. Inspect inside ears periodically and clean gently with cotton swabs if excess wax builds up. Bush babies do self-groom extensively like cats.
Vet Care
Find an exotic vet with experience treating primates before acquiring a bush baby. Annual checkups help catch any health issues early. Common concerns include dental problems, parasites, and vitamin deficiencies. Be prepared for costs of $75-150 per visit.
Vet expenses are a lifelong commitment for proper bush baby care.
Choosing a Bush Baby Breeder or Rescue
Questions to Ask Breeders
When looking for a bush baby breeder, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure you find an ethical and responsible source. Here are some key questions you should ask:
- How long have you been breeding bush babies? An experienced breeder is best.
- What is the genetic background of your breeding stock? Make sure there is no inbreeding.
- Can I see the parents of the baby? Assess their health and temperament.
- What is your breeding facility like? It should be clean with proper enclosures.
- Do you have a veterinarian who cares for your bush babies? Ask for their name and credentials.
Signs of an Unethical Breeder
Beware of breeders who exhibit the following signs, as they likely prioritize profits over bush baby welfare:
- Constantly has many baby bush babies available
- Offers deep discounts or sales promotions frequently
- Unable to provide detailed information on parentage and genetics
- Unwilling to allow visits or pictures of their breeding facility
- No veterinary records for their breeding stock
Dealing with unethical breeders often leads to health and behavior issues in pet bush babies down the road.
Benefits of Adopting from a Rescue
While buying a baby bush baby from a breeder is common, adopting from a rescue has advantages:
- Rescued bush babies are often already socialized and trained
- Adoption fees are usually lower than buying from a breeder
- Health and genetic history may be known if surrendered by previous owner
- Fostering to adopt allows assessment of compatibility before adoption
- Adopting rescues saves a bush baby in need rather than supporting breeders
Check sites like The Primate Sanctuary Alliance to find rescues near you.
How to Find a Reputable Source
Finding a responsible bush baby breeder or rescue takes research – ask for referrals from exotic veterinarians, other bush baby owners, and reputable associations. When evaluating options:
- Check state inspection reports and licensing credentials
- Search online for reviews, complaints, concerning inspection reports
- Visit the facility in person whenever possible to directly view operations
- Ask lots of questions and go with your gut feeling on the ethics of the operators
Taking these steps increases your chances of finding a humane, lawful bush baby source that promotes their health and welfare first and foremost.
Alternatives to Owning a Bush Baby
Owning an exotic pet like a bush baby often seems appealing, but it comes with many challenges. Fortunately, there are some great alternatives that can satisfy your desire for a unique animal encounter without the demands of pet ownership.
Visit a Zoo or Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the best ways to connect with bush babies is to visit them at an accredited zoo or wildlife sanctuary. These facilities have the expertise and resources to properly care for bush babies in naturalistic habitats.
You’ll likely get to observe them up close and may even have the chance to feed them.
Some zoos, like the San Diego Zoo, have extensive bush baby breeding programs. By visiting, you get to see adorable bush baby youngsters while supporting important conservation efforts.
Volunteer at a Rescue Center
Wildlife rescue centers take in injured or orphaned bush babies that need rehabilitation before being released. As a volunteer, you’ll assist with their care and feeding under expert supervision.
It’s very rewarding to aid in the rescue process and directly improve the lives of these delightful little primates. You’ll make a tangible difference while also getting lots of up-close bush baby interaction.
Foster a Bush Baby
Some zoos and sanctuaries have foster care programs that place bush babies in appropriate private homes on a temporary basis. As a foster parent, you provide a small habitat and personalized care for your bush baby charge.
Fostering enables close bonds to form through gentle handling and playtime. Though sad when it ends, returning your bush baby to the facility ensures it has proper socialization and a healthy development environment long-term.
Sponsor a Bush Baby
Another way to indirectly care for a bush baby is to sponsor one at an accredited zoo, sanctuary, or rescue center. Your sponsorship donation goes towards that specific animal’s feeding and housing requirements.
In return, you receive fun updates like growth charts and pictures as “your” sponsored bush baby thrives under expert care. It’s very affordable and an easy way to get your bush baby fix!
Conclusion
Owning a bush baby can be an exciting prospect for exotic pet lovers, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. Doing thorough research on the commitment involved, laws in your area, costs, care requirements, and sourcing is essential to provide a good home for one of these active primates.
For many people, admiring bush babies at zoos or wildlife parks may be a better alternative. But if you have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to properly care for a bush baby, owning one can be a rewarding experience.
