It is illegal to own a pet chimpanzee in South Africa.
Reasons include:
- NEMBA (2004): Prohibits keeping chimpanzees as pets; they are recognized as critically endangered.
- Animal Protection Act (1962): Protects animals from cruelty; keeping a chimp as a pet is considered unethical and potentially harmful.
- Ethical concerns: Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and social; captivity as pets can cause severe psychological and physical harm.
Licensed sanctuaries in South Africa do provide safe environments for rescued or confiscated chimpanzees.