Arizona Non-Human Primate Laws (Flagstaff: living, moving to, eat) - City-Data Forum

lb coup · 03-27-2012, 02:56 PM

Hi all,

If someone has already asked this, I apologize in advance. Living abroad for about 10 years now. Flagstaff is one of four cities my wife and I are considering moving to when we return to the US this fall. Does anybody know the law(s) on domesticated baboons? What I really need to know is if I will be required to keep my baboon in my yard (I'm reluctant to build a containment facility which nine times out of ten a baboon can escape anyway) or if I can keep him in the house.

Thanks in advance.

rational1 · 03-27-2012, 04:02 PM

Saw back-to-back shows on one of the TV channels- all about apparently well-behaved animals that attacked and injured or killed their owners. Don't remember if baboons were among the perps. Chimps were.

The show was Fatal Attraction on Animal Planet.

Personally I hope you have trouble getting into the country with a baboon.

lb coup · 03-28-2012, 04:31 AM

Actually, there has never been a recorded instance of baboon-on-human violence. If you are thinking of chimps, that is an entirely different ballgame. A chimp will eat your face for breakfast.

But I guess you've helped me, because I don't want to settle down in any state where there is discrimination, non-human or otherwise. Moderator cut: snip

jmferris · 03-28-2012, 05:31 AM

The only state-restricted primate species appear to be geared towards orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas. See ARIZ. COMP. ADMIN R. & REGS. R12-4-406 - Restricted Live Wildlife

Don't let the opinions of the few cloud your opinion of the state as a whole. People tend to think that when someone is looking for an answer to a question that it becomes a soapbox. It is a great state to live, and appears to be baboon-friendly. It personally is not something that I would do (more of a dog person myself), but I am not in a position to judge. If people don't like the fact that apparently you can possess a baboon in Arizona, they need to take it up with their legislature and not the person asking the question.

If you don't mind me asking, how did you come to have a baboon? I had the opportunity to interact with a domesticated one at an animal rescue years ago. Wonderful creatures.

lb coup · 03-28-2012, 05:36 AM

Thanks a lot for that, I appreciate your kind words.

It's a long story, which boils down to this: I am a retired prospector who spent many years in unsavory countries supervising submarine mineral excavations. This was a wash-out in the end. I acquired my baboon in Zambia, through a friend of a friend.

What I will say is this. Mr. Chupps (I named him this, he was called something different in African) has been a dependable friend for going on 10 years now. He does not have his legs and I do not consider him a threat to anyone.

jmferris · 03-28-2012, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lb coup

What I will say is this. Mr. Chupps (I named him this, he was called something different in African) has been a dependable friend for going on 10 years now. He does not have his legs and I do not consider him a threat to anyone.

It is admirable that you are taking care of him, considering that he would not be able to take care of himself in the wild. Thank you for sharing!

lb coup · 03-28-2012, 05:58 AM

I will keep trying, JM, despite the discrimination I am finding Stateside. My worst fear, however, is that I may have to put the old boy down. Thanks nonetheless.