Guidance

Licence conditions for primate keepers (Schedule 1)

Guidance for local authorities on licence conditions and keepers’ responsibilities for privately kept primates.

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
10 July 2025

Applies to England

Local authorities must take this guidance into account when performing their functions under the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 (‘the Regulations’).

This guidance sets out the licence conditions that must be attached to a primate licence granted under the Regulations.

Paragraphs with a grey line down the left-hand side contain condition numbers, paragraph numbers and exact or simplified text from Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

The guidance should be read alongside the:

This guidance is primarily to help local authorities when:

  • considering whether to grant or renew a primate licence
  • carrying out an inspection of licensed premises
  • considering compliance or taking enforcement action in relation to a failure by the licence holder to comply with a licence condition
  • considering whether to bring criminal proceedings for an offence

This guidance is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an authoritative statement of the law. Local authorities may therefore need to seek their own advice if they are unsure whether a licence condition will be, or is being, met.

Any person seeking to apply for a primate licence may also use this guidance alongside the licensing process guidance to understand how to obtain a primate licence and comply with the conditions. Expert advice should be sought in addition to the information provided.

There is also specific information on callitrichids (Annex A).

Overview of licence conditions

Primates are wild, undomesticated animals. They are long-lived, intelligent, socially-complex, and have complex health and welfare needs, which vary according to species. They are not suitable to be kept as pets in a domestic setting and require specialist care. Schedule 1 to the Regulations defines the health and welfare standards that private primate keepers must meet.

Local authorities must:

  • attach a copy of the licence conditions to any primate licence they grant
  • not grant or renew a licence unless they are satisfied that the licence conditions are likely to be met
  • arrange to inspect an applicant’s premises before making a decision to grant a licence

The function of the inspection is to assess whether the licence conditions are likely to be met by the applicant. However, it will not be possible to assess the applicant’s likely compliance with all of the licence conditions just by visually assessing the premises where the primates are, or are to be, kept. Local authorities should therefore have in place a process to enable them to assess applicants’ understanding of:

  • the licence conditions and what they require
  • the welfare needs of the primates being or to be kept

If an applicant cannot demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the primates’ welfare needs or how the licence conditions will be met, local authorities should advise the applicant on any additional information or steps that may be required before proceeding further with the application.

Roles and responsibilities

2. The licence holder must ensure that:

(a) a sufficient number of people are present on the premises daily to provide the level of care and management required by the licence conditions

(b) at least one person is in overall charge at all times and is responsible for ensuring the licence conditions are complied with

(c) any person given responsibility for the care or management of primates is competent to carry out their assigned tasks

The licence holder has overall responsibility for the care and management of the primates and for making sure that the licence conditions are met. However, the licence holder can appoint other people to provide the level of care and management required.

The number of people needed to provide day-to-day care and management of the primates will depend on the number of primates and the needs of those primates.

The local authority and the suitable person inspecting the premises for the local authority must consider the:

  • number of primates being, or to be kept, at the premises
  • level of care and management required for those primates
  • ability of the people who are, or will be providing this care and management to do so

The arrangements the licence holder will have in place must take account of sickness and other absences of those responsible for caring and managing the primates.

The local authority should obtain details of the proposed arrangements from the applicant so that it can properly assess the arrangements as part of its consideration of the application.

The record keeping requirements associated with this Condition are in the Records section of this guidance, under Condition 6(1)(b)(i) and (c).

Microchipping

3. Each primate must be implanted with a microchip that:

(a) has a unique number which includes the manufacturer’s code

(b) is compliant with ISO standard 11784:1996 of the International Standards Organisation’s standards for microchips

(c) is compliant with ISO standard 11785:1996 of the International Standards Organisation’s standards for microchips apart from Annex A (10)

(d) responds to a transponder which operates at 134.2 kilohertz and conforms with the FDXB protocol set out in ISO standards 11784:1996 and 11785:1996

Licence holders must ensure each primate is microchipped with a compliant microchip, and it is advised that keepers register the primate on one (and only one) of these compliant databases:

The above is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change.

All microchips must be fitted by a trained professional and licence holders must consult their veterinarian to arrange microchipping for any of their primates that are not already microchipped or whose microchip fails to read.

4. Subject to Condition 5, the licence holder must ensure that each primate is implanted with a microchip that complies with Condition 3 within 2 years of:

(a) the primate’s birth (if they were born on the licence holder’s premises)

(b) the licence holder first taking possession of the primate

For example, a primate born on the licence holder’s premises on 1 July 2028 must be microchipped before 1 July 2030 at the very latest. It is best practice to microchip the primate as soon as possible for traceability, but a veterinarian may advise waiting longer in certain cases.

5. Primates kept by the licence holder before 6 April 2025 must be implanted with a microchip that complies with Condition 3 on or before 5 April 2027.

The record keeping requirements associated with this Condition are in the Records section of this guidance, under Condition 6(1)(a)(iii).

Records

Condition 6 sets out the minimum records that licence holders must keep. Licence holders must keep these records up to date and make them available for inspection.

Local authorities should have a process in place to assess how an applicant will meet these requirements.

6.1(a) The licence holder must keep individual records for each primate containing the following details:

  • its name
  • its sex
  • its microchip number
  • its date of birth or, if not known, its approximate date of birth
  • its species
  • its colour and markings
  • the name and contact details of its previous keeper (where applicable)
  • the date and cause of its death (where applicable)
  • where the primate is permanently transferred to other premises, the name and contact details of the new keeper and the address to which it has been relocated

The species details can be either the full scientific name or Latin to prevent confusion.

6.1(b) The licence holder must keep a written record, which is prominently displayed at the licensed premises, containing:

(i) the names and contact details of the people who are, for the time being, responsible for the overall care and management of the primates

(ii) the names and contact details of the named veterinarian and any other veterinarian who is to be contacted in an emergency

(iii) contact details of the local fire service and police

6.1(c) The licence holder must keep a written record of all individuals authorised to access and care for the primates.

6.2 The licence holder must ensure that any record or written document that the licence holder is required to keep is available for inspection at any time in a visible and legible form or, where stored in an electronic form, can be produced in a visible and legible form.

The licence holder must also keep and make available for inspection at any time all records and written procedures.

Local authorities may also request evidence of records and written procedures as part of their application review.

The lists below are not exhaustive lists.

Records must be kept under:

  • condition 6 (1) - individual records of each primate and individuals providing care (including the veterinarian and emergency contact)
  • condition 20 - diet plan alongside relevant advice or guidance as well as review and update dates
  • condition 22 (e)(i) - any signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour
  • condition 22 (e)(ii) - monthly weight and the date it was taken
  • condition 22 (e)(iii) - dates of veterinary examinations and treatments and the purposes of those examinations and treatments
  • condition 22- (e)(iv) - where a primate must be quarantined or isolated to protect its own welfare, the reason for the quarantine or isolation and the length of time
  • condition 37 (b) any inappropriate or abnormal behaviour exhibited by a primate

Written procedures and plans must be kept under:

  • Condition 7 - emergencies
  • Condition 10 (a) to (c) - special circumstances, including:

(a) temporary isolation of a primate

(b) death or escape of a primate

(c) care of the primate following revocation of the licence or death of the licence holder

  • Condition 22 - physical health, including records:

(a) and (d) - daily monitoring for pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour

(b) weighing

(c) disease control

6.3 The licence holder must keep any record for at least 6 years beginning with the date on which the record was first created.

This represents the minimum period for keeping records. Electronic records should be backed up.

Emergencies

7. A written emergency plan must be in place, accessible and followed to protect the primates and any person on the licensed premises in the event of a fire or other emergency.

8. The plan must include details of:

(a) how the primates will be removed if the licensed premises become unsafe or uninhabitable

(b) the arrangements for the care of the primates during and following an emergency

(c) an up-to-date list of emergency contact details that includes the fire service and police

As part of the consideration of an application for a primate licence, the local authority should ensure that the applicant provides the proposed emergency plan to allow the local authority to consider its suitability.

Primates must remain in their enclosures on the licensed premises at all times unless they are removed for a permitted reason. The purpose of Conditions 7 and 8 is to ensure that the licence holder has a plan in place to remove the primates if the licensed premises become unsafe or uninhabitable.

The plan must contain procedures for:

  • evacuation of the primates and people
  • protecting the primates and people during an emergency
  • caring for the primates during and after an emergency including details of where they will be housed temporarily and how they will be cared for

The plan should include transport arrangements and any dietary or other requirements that are critical for the welfare of the primate.

Emergency plans must be available for the local authority to inspect.

9. The local authority that granted the licence and the police must be notified immediately if a primate escapes from the licensed premises.

Written procedures for special circumstances

10. Written procedures must be in place and implemented covering:

(a) the temporary isolation of any primate

(b) the death or escape of a primate

(c) the care of the primates following the revocation of the licence or the death of the licence holder

The procedures must also reflect Conditions 9 and 11. The written procedure covering the death of a primate should include notifying the local authority of the death and the plan of safe disposal.

11. The procedures required under Condition 10(a) must include appropriate arrangements for ensuring that the welfare needs of any primate that is being temporarily isolated are met during the period of its isolation.

Nutrition and feeding

The overall aim of Conditions 12 to 20 is to ensure that primates:

  • are fed a balanced diet tailored to their individual needs (such as their size, condition and health)
  • are given enough opportunities to forage and exhibit social feeding behaviours
  • are given food and water that is safe to consume

The local authority should assess whether the plans comply with Condition 12, 13, 18 and 19 and the applicant holder has used appropriate expert advice and guidance to prepare those plans.

12. Each primate must be provided with a suitable diet in terms of nutritive value, quality, quantity and frequency.

A suitable diet will need to include an appropriate balance of:

  • fresh produce
  • commercially prepared food
  • fresh edible plant material in a suitable natural form
  • neutral detergent fiber suitable to each primate or species

13. Food must be presented in an appropriate way, given at appropriate intervals and placed in suitable positions in each enclosure so as to:

(a) minimise negative interactions between the primates in the enclosure and resource guarding by individual primates

(b) allow the primates to exhibit and develop their natural feeding and foraging behaviours

Presenting food in an appropriate way, at appropriate intervals and in suitable positions includes presenting food in ways and in places that encourage:

  • natural feeding postures – for example, hanging
  • natural feeding behaviours – for example, foraging or gum gouging in marmosets and whether the species is diurnal or nocturnal

See also Conditions 34, 35 and 37 on behaviour.

14. Primates must have access to fresh, clean drinking water in suitable receptacles. There must be enough water in each enclosure for the primates in that enclosure. The water must be provided in a way that minimises negative interactions between primates.

Fresh drinking water should be easily accessible in both the indoor and outdoor areas of an enclosure. It must be provided in a way that prevents negative interactions, such as resource guarding. The receptacles must protect drinking water from contamination and soiling.

15. The receptacles used for feeding and providing water to the primates must be cleaned daily, or more regularly where necessary to maintain hygienic standards.

The routines for cleaning receptacles should minimise disruption to the primates and take into consideration the primates’ species-specific behaviour.

16. The facilities for the preparation of food for the primates and the equipment used for food preparation must be hygienically maintained.

Detergents, disinfectants and cleaning methods should not pose a risk to primates’ health.

17. Food supplies for the primates must be stored in appropriate conditions.

Any food given to the primates must be protected against dampness, deterioration and mould, and from any contamination including insects, birds and vermin. It must also be within its expiration date, where shown.

18. An individually tailored diet plan must be maintained for each primate which details the food that the primate should receive daily. The plan must offer an appropriate balance of daily fresh produce, commercially prepared food and fresh edible plant material in a suitable natural form.

19. The diet plan of each primate must be:

(a) based on advice or guidance given by an appropriate expert

(b) reviewed every 12 months or, where necessary, at more frequent intervals

All aspects of the diet plan must be based on advice from one of the below:

  • an animal nutritionist
  • a recognised national or international primatology group representative with relevant skills and competence
  • an employee or representative of zoo licensed premises with relevant skills and experience in keeping primates
  • a suitably qualified veterinarian

The record of the advice or guidance used to prepare a diet plan should include the name, qualifications and contact details of the person providing such advice or guidance.

The following primate changes may require earlier review of diet plans:

  • life stage
  • body size and condition
  • physical health
  • pregnancy
  • new primate introductions

Primates may require supplementation to meet their nutritional needs, such as:

  • vitamin C supplements
  • vitamin D3 supplements if UV lighting is not fitted

Any supplements and changes must be included in the primate’s diet plan and should be sourced from specialist suppliers.

There is specific dietary advice for callitrichids.

20. The licence holder must maintain a record of the advice or guidance used to prepare each diet plan and the dates for when each plan has been reviewed or updated.

Physical health

Conditions 21 to 23 specify the steps that must be taken, as a minimum, to ensure the primates’ health is appropriately monitored and that their health needs are met.

21. The licence holder must register the primates with a veterinarian who has agreed to:

(a) carry out routine visits at an appropriate frequency to assess the health, condition and welfare of each primate

(b) carry out or supervise treatment of sick or injured primates

(c) administer or supervise the administration of medicines, vaccines, parasite control, disease surveillance and contraception when appropriate

(d) monitor the health and welfare of each primate

(e) advise and assist in an emergency

The licence holder must formally appoint a named veterinarian to carry out the responsibilities set out in the condition. The licence holder should agree with their veterinarian the frequency of routine visits. As a minimum, routine visits should be carried out quarterly. The licence holder should also obtain the veterinarian’s advice to prepare or update the written procedures required by Condition 22.

The licence holder must:

  • ensure all medical treatment is prescribed and overseen by a veterinarian
  • follow the veterinarian’s instructions when administering medical treatment to a primate
  • inform the named veterinarian of any medication prescribed or administered by other veterinarians

22. The licence holder must ensure that:

(a) the primates are monitored daily for signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour and that any vulnerable animals are checked more frequently

(b) the primates are weighed monthly

(c) all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases, pathogens and parasites amongst the primates and people

(d) where any sign of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour is noted, steps are taken to promptly identify the cause or possible cause and provide the primate with appropriate treatment and care

(e) a record is kept for each primate

(f) written procedures are in place for (a) to (d)

Conditions 22(a), (d), (e)(i) and (f)

These conditions relate to routine monitoring by those responsible for the daily care and management of the primates kept under a primate licence. The local authority should assess the proposed written procedures for ensuring compliance with Condition 22(a) and (d), including:

  • the steps for identifying the cause or possible cause of signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour which have been identified through routine monitoring
  • the appropriate treatment and care, including monitoring the effects of any treatment
  • when to seek advice or assistance from the named veterinarian

All signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour that are identified through the monitoring carried out under Condition 22(a) must be recorded (Condition 22(e), (i)).

Conditions 22(b), (d), (e)(ii) and (f)

Regularly monitoring body weight is essential for identifying poor health (whether through nutritional problems or otherwise). As a minimum, the primates must be weighed monthly and their monthly weight recorded with the dates on which the weight was taken.

The written procedures should include the normal body parameters for each primate, by reference to life stage and reproductive status. These should be obtained from the named veterinarian or other expert source. The procedures should also contain instructions on seeking advice from the named veterinarian (for example, in the case of sudden weight changes).

The weighing process should not require restraint: it should rely on positive reinforcement training (that is rewarding).

Conditions 22(c), (d), (e)(i) and (f)

Reasonable precautions to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases, pathogens and parasites amongst the primates and people include:

  • consulting the named veterinarian about disease risk transmission from humans to primates, primates to humans and between primates for the species involved - the written procedures should include information on disease transmission risk, how to identify infection and how to reduce these risks
  • consulting the named veterinarian on good biosecurity and detailing biosecurity measures in the written procedures - this should include the cleaning and disinfection protocols required by reference to Condition 30)
  • consulting the named veterinarian about vaccinations and parasite control – and including details of vaccinations and parasite control in procedures
  • documenting steps taken to investigate any disease outbreaks

Records

Condition 22(e) also requires the licence holder to ensure that records are kept on the following:

  • signs of pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour
  • primates monthly weight and date of which the weight was taken
  • veterinary examinations, including the date and purpose
  • veterinary treatments, including the date and purpose – for example, vaccines, parasite control, disease surveillance and/or contraception
  • quarantine and isolation records, including length of quarantine or isolation

Licence holders may need to quarantine or isolate primates to protect the primate’s health or welfare. Examples of such instances could include:

  • to avoid the spread of infectious diseases
  • to protect the primate from other primates
  • while the primate recovers from injury or illness

Written procedures

The local authority should review the applicants’ proposed written procedures to assess whether they appropriately cover the requirements in Conditions 22 (a) to (d).

Euthanasia

23. No primate may be euthanised except by a veterinarian.

Euthanasia must only be authorised and performed by an RCVS registered veterinarian.

Environment

Conditions 24 to 32 contain specific requirements to ensure that licensed primates are housed in suitable accommodation which meets their welfare needs. The conditions include requirements for the design of the accommodation, their furnishings, environmental enrichment and environmental conditions (including maintaining a hygienic environment).

The Conditions require the primates’ individual needs and their species’ needs to be met.

24. Each primate must be kept in an enclosure on the licensed premises which meets the requirements specified in Conditions 25 to 29 unless:

(a) the primate needs to be temporarily removed from the premises or the enclosure for a veterinary examination or treatment, or in an emergency

(b) the primate needs to be temporarily isolated from other primates on the premises

(c) the primate is carrying out exhibition activity

(d) the primate is being relocated:

  • from the licensed premises to other premises owned by the licence holder
  • from the licensed premises to its new keeper’s premises
  • from other premises owned by the licence holder to the licensed premises
  • from its previous keeper’s premises to the licensed premises

(e) a veterinarian has advised that the primate should be removed from the enclosure, and the removal is carried out either in line with the veterinarian’s instructions or under their supervision

Licence holders should get advice from appropriate experts when designing the enclosure to make sure it will meet the needs of all the primates and comply with the licence conditions.

Advice can be sought from a:

  • recognised national or international primatology group representative
  • an employee or representative of zoo licensed premises with relevant skills and experience in keeping primates
  • a veterinarian experienced in treating the relevant species of primate

Primates require specialised accommodation that meets their welfare needs. Condition 24 requires a licence holder to ensure that the primates remain in a compliant enclosure on the licensed premises at all times unless one of the reasons listed above applies.

The transportation of a primate must comply with Conditions 42 to 22 (see ‘Transporting primates’) and any other legislation that applies. You can find more information on Transporting animals in Great Britain.

Exhibition activities involving a primate may also require a licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

25. Each enclosure on the licensed premises must:

(a) include an indoor and outdoor area

(b) be suitable for the primates being kept in it, whether on an individual basis or as part of a social group, with respect to

(i) the overall spatial dimensions of the enclosure and the spatial dimensions of the indoor and outdoor areas in the enclosure, taking account of the welfare and behavioural needs of the primates

(ii) its location on the licensed premises

(iii) its substrate

(iv) its structural elements

(v) the materials used in the construction of the enclosure

The overall aim of Condition 25 is to ensure that:

  • each enclosure provides the primates with enough space to express their physical, psychological and social behavioural needs
  • the location of the enclosure minimises stress to the primates from noise and passers-by

Enclosures must be made of suitable and robust materials which are safe and accommodate the primates’ behaviours.

An area of a house inhabited by people is not a suitable indoor enclosure.

The indoor and outdoor areas must be connected to each other.

32. Each primate must be given permanent access to the indoor area of the enclosure and sufficient daily access to the outdoor area of the enclosure.

Both areas must be suitable to meet the primates’ welfare needs and provide an environment for use all year-round.

Size of the enclosure

Licence holders must keep primates in enclosures that are big enough to meet their physical, psychological and behavioural needs. The size requirements will be different for each species. Indoor and outdoor enclosures should be of a suitable size and include sufficient vertical space appropriate to the size and social needs of the species.

Indoor enclosures (Condition 25(b)(i))

When considering whether the spatial dimensions of an indoor or outdoor enclosure are suitable, only areas that can be used by primates should be taken into account and informed by the primate’s body size and needs.

A primate’s body length is measured from head to rump in centimetres and must be based on the maximum size of the primates being kept.

A suitable indoor enclosure might be:

  • 50% or more of the overall enclosure’s required size
  • 20% or more of the overall enclosure’s required size, with additional usable vertical space of at least 4 meters plus twice the body length of the species
  • indoor material should allow cleaning to be carried out to prevent the build-up of disease

Outdoor enclosures (Condition 25(b)(i))

Examples of suitable spatial dimensions of outdoor enclosures are as follows.

Suitable outdoor enclosures for 3 or fewer primates (except callitrichids) should have:

  • a usable width at least 10 times the species’ maximum body length or 3 metres (whichever is the biggest)
  • a usable length at least 15 times the primate’s maximum body length or 4.5 metres (whichever is the biggest)
  • if roofed, a usable height of at least 2.4 metres plus twice the species’ maximum body length (the height of the enclosure is measured from the highest climbable surface, which can be the tallest part of the climbing structure or the roof itself if it’s climbable).

For more than 3 primates, except callitrichids, the floor area in the enclosure should be increased by at least 50 times the species’ maximum body length for each additional animal.

There is specific guidance on enclosures.

You should consult with an appropriate expert when determining the suitable size of the enclosure. See the primate standards for privately kept primates in England for the recommended formula for calculating the suitable size of the enclosure.

Materials that are suitable to use in the construction of the enclosure (Condition 25(b)(v))

Suitable materials for use in the construction of the outdoor enclosure include:

  • secure mesh incorporated into the roof (for leaping primates) or other roof material that provides an additional safe climbing surface
  • strong and rigid fencing that the primates cannot dig under and is robust enough to prevent the primates from escaping
  • non-toxic material that is free from and resistant to rot

The enclosure should be inspected regularly and repaired (including replacing materials) where necessary to ensure it remains in a suitable condition.

Floor of the enclosure (Condition 25(b)(iii))

Indoor and outdoor enclosures must have a suitable substrate. This means a solid floor and not net or mesh flooring. It must incorporate appropriate drainage to avoid excessive water build-up and, in the case of indoor areas, must be easy to clean and disinfect.

Floors must be covered with an organic and non-toxic material, for example wood chips or leaf litter. The material must be suitable for encouraging nesting behaviours (if applicable) and for foraging (Condition 27(b)). The material selected should also take account of other relevant licence conditions, including:

  • Condition 26(a) – provision of a clean and comfortable environment to the occupants in the enclosure
  • Condition 26(b) – minimising risks of injury and harm to the occupants, including by falling
  • Condition 29 – maintaining the temperature and humidity of the enclosure

26. Each enclosure must be designed and maintained to:

(a) provide its occupants with a clean and comfortable environment

(b) present minimal risks of injury or harm to any of its occupants

(c) prevent the escape of any of its occupants

(d) deter entry by predators and native wildlife

(e) provide its occupants with opportunities to hide and have privacy

(f) ensure that access to the indoor and outdoor areas can be controlled remotely without entering the enclosure

(g) ensure that an occupant cannot be trapped or cornered by other occupants

(h) ensure that its occupants can be safely separated in a part of the enclosure on a temporary basis while the remaining parts of the enclosure are being cleaned, maintained or repaired

(i) ensure that any occupant can be separated temporarily from the other occupants for its safety, for medical reasons or for managing the interactions between occupants

Condition 26(c)

The enclosure must be designed and maintained to prevent primates from escaping. All enclosures should have double doors to prevent escapes and these doors should be securely locked. All locking systems should be designed and maintained to prevent animals from unfastening the securing devices. Windows should be similarly secure.

Access to the primate enclosure should be through a double door system that ensures only one door can be opened at a time. The doors should be securely locked when not in use.

See also Condition 25(b)(v) for more information on suitable materials.

Condition 26(d)

Only legal methods to prevent other animals from entering the enclosure may be used. Wherever possible, they should be ethical, for example, rodent proof mesh to cover pipes and vents.

Condition 26(e)

Visual barriers to provide opportunities for the primates to hide and have privacy should be provided in the enclosure.

Condition 26(g)

The enclosure must be designed so that primates cannot be trapped or cornered.

Conditions 26(f) and 26(h)

Primates may need to be relocated temporarily to the indoor or outdoor area (for example, to allow the other area to be cleaned or maintained, or to separate a primate that is exhibiting abnormal behaviour or needs to be examined by a veterinarian). These licence conditions seek to ensure that the primates in an enclosure can be moved between the indoor and outdoor areas without the need for someone to enter the enclosure.

Condition 26(i)

The enclosure must allow for a primate to be temporarily separated from the rest of the group.

This could be achieved, for example, through either:

  • an area of the enclosure that can be sectioned off while ensuring that the minimum dimensions for the rest of the primate group are maintained
  • using a different enclosure on the premises that is suitable to house the primate temporarily

Temporary isolation of primates must meet the welfare needs of primates and not be located within an area of a house that’s inhabited by people.

Read more information about isolating primates.

27. Each enclosure must be equipped and maintained with:

(a) safe climbing and hanging structures which are suitable for its occupants in terms of variety and complexity – these must allow its occupants, individually or in groups, to exhibit their natural behaviours while minimising negative interactions between them

(b) safe resting sites and platforms, bedding material, nesting opportunities and organic material for foraging which are suitable for its occupants and allow them, individually or in groups, to exhibit their natural behaviours while minimising negative interactions between them

(c) safe sheltered cover in the outdoor area big enough to provide shelter and shade for all its occupants at the same time

(d) suitable natural planting in the outdoor area to provide natural foraging opportunities, privacy and shade

Condition 27(a)

Indoor and outdoor areas should each have at least 2 climbing and hanging structures which are suitable for its occupants.

These structures should:

  • have a height of at least 2.4 metres plus twice the species’ maximum body length
  • have horizontal, vertical and diagonal supports
  • have both rigid and flexible materials – for example, beams and ropes
  • provide incentives for the primates to use all available vertical space – for example, resting places, enrichment devices and viewpoints

Either natural branches or human-made structures can be used as climbing or hanging structures if they are safe and robust. Climbing and hanging structures must allow primates to perform natural behaviors for their species. For example, semi-terrestrial species must have access to both climbing structures and the ground.

Primates must be able to access all necessary parts of the enclosure using the climbing structure. This includes older and smaller primates.

The hanging and climbing structures in an enclosure must provide enough variety and complexity. They must be changed and reorganised regularly to provide the primates with a dynamic environment.

There is specific guidance on callitrichid climbing structures.

Condition 27(b)

Resting sites and platforms must be safe, and meet the welfare needs of the primates, and encourage natural behaviours. For example, large branches can be used to provide suitable resting sites and platforms. They must therefore be varied in height and allow the primates to:

  • rest (including sleep)
  • groom
  • sunbathe
  • feed

The way primates sleep differs between species. Sites for sleeping must be appropriate to the species of primate and be sufficient for all of the primates in the enclosure. Some species need a nest box and nesting material, others might need a shelf to sleep on as a group, and others might separate into smaller groups.

The equipment must meet the needs of the species and encourage natural behaviour. It may include:

  • bedding material
  • nest boxes
  • nest-building resources
  • platforms
  • resting sites – there is specific guidance on callitrichid rest platforms

At least one resting site or platform must be big enough to allow all of the primates to be together at the same time.

Nest boxes

There should be at least one nest box for each group in the indoor enclosure.

Extra nest boxes are beneficial for primates because they:

  • support natural behaviour
  • provide alternative nest sites if one nest box is being guarded by a dominant group member

There is specific guidance on callitrichid next boxes.

Condition 27(c)

There must be enough safe sheltered cover in the outdoor area to provide sufficient shelter for all primates from weather (such as wind and rain) at the same time.

Shelters should have multiple entrances and exits. This ensures a primate cannot be trapped or cornered by other primates (see Condition 26(g)).

Plants (Condition 27(d))

Suitable natural planting must be available in outdoor areas to provide:

  • natural foraging opportunities, for example for insects
  • privacy
  • shade

They can also provide opportunities to express normal behaviours more generally through play.

Plants should not be toxic or harmful to the primates.

Environmental Conditions

28. Each enclosure must be designed and equipped to allow the environmental quality in the enclosure to be artificially maintained at appropriate levels for its occupants.

29. The environmental quality of each enclosure must be maintained at appropriate levels for its occupants, including with respect to:

(a) temperature

(b) ventilation

(c) humidity

(d) lighting

(e) noise

(f) cleanliness

Temperature

Conditions 28 and 29(a) require the temperature levels in the indoor area of the enclosure to be maintained at an acceptable range for the primates. This will require the temperature levels in the indoor area to be monitored and a warning system for when the temperature falls outside the acceptable range.

To ensure that the temperature range is acceptable, an applicant may need to get advice from a veterinarian or other primate experts.

The individual needs of all primates (as it varies with age, health status, and so on) must be considered when setting the acceptable range.

A licence holder should have access to back-up climate control systems or power sources which can be engaged quickly.

Heating and cooling should be in use intermittently to discourage excessive sedentary behaviour.

There is specific guidance on the temperature of callitrichid enclosures.

Ventilation

Enclosures must have suitable ventilation. Enclosures should also have windows.

Indoor areas can use:

  • natural extractor systems, such as doors and hatches
  • purpose-built extractor system

Humidity

The humidity of indoor areas should be between 50% and 70%.

Lighting

Lighting cycles should mimic a full 24-hour light period that the species would normally encounter in the wild. The lighting system should automatically adjust light levels in the indoor area if it is too bright or too dark for long.

Any UV lighting should:

  • be 40cm away from the basking area in such a way that prevents the primates from having direct contact
  • have a maximum UV index level set to meet the primates’ needs – levels should be checked every month

Nocturnal species

The environmental quality for nocturnal species should:

  • accommodate their activity patterns
  • not involve the use of blue lights and filters

Noise

The level of background noise should be kept low and if it is absolutely necessary for the noise to exceed 65 dBA it should only be for short periods.

Auditory enrichment should only be used under supervision/advice from a qualified primate welfare and behaviour professional.

Cleanliness

A good standard of hygiene is important to reduce the spread of disease and the risk of ill health.

30. The cleaning and disinfecting of each enclosure must:

  • happen at a frequency, and in a way that does not cause distress, suffering or avoidable discomfort for the primates
  • take into consideration their natural behaviours

The cleaning and disinfecting routine should balance the need to maintain an appropriate state of cleanliness and the primates’ natural behaviours. It must minimise distress, suffering or discomfort to the primates. Unless it is necessary for disease control to clean the whole enclosure at the same time, the enclosure should be cleaned incrementally over an appropriate period of time.

31. A written hygiene protocol must be kept for the purpose of ensuring that:

(a) each enclosure is maintained in an appropriate state of cleanliness and the risk of disease transmission is reduced

(b) the cleaning and disinfecting of the enclosure is carried out in the way specified in Condition 30

The hygiene protocol should, as a minimum, include:

  • a cycle for cleaning and disinfecting the enclosure to ensure an appropriate state of cleanliness while complying with Condition 30
  • instructions on maintaining drains and ensuring that fluids run directly into them
  • instructions on using footbaths containing Defra-approved disinfectant before entering and after exiting the enclosure
  • the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent zoonotic disease transmission both to and from primates (e.g. gloves and masks)
  • instructions for avoiding direct contact with primates and their contaminated fluids, for example saliva, food, water, urine and faeces
  • instructions on not eating, drinking, vaping or smoking in or near the enclosure

Only those named in the records as the people responsible for the overall care and management of the primates, veterinarians, and those required for essential enclosure maintenance must ever be allowed to enter the enclosure. Licence holders must have this must be available for inspection.

Local authorities may also request evidence of this as part of its consideration of an application.

32. Each primate must be given permanent access to the indoor area of the enclosure and sufficient daily access to the outdoor area of the enclosure.

Both areas must be suitable to meet the primates’ physical, psychological and behavioural needs and provide an environment for use all year-round.

Behaviour

Conditions 33 to 38 outline steps to enable primates to maintain normal behaviours (that is, behaviours expected of physically and psychologically healthy primates).

33. The primates must be housed in appropriate social groups, except when:

  • it is necessary to temporarily isolate a primate to avoid negative interactions with other primates in the enclosure
  • a veterinarian has advised to temporarily isolate a primate

34. The primates must be allowed to express appropriate natural behaviours and inappropriate or abnormal natural behaviours must be effectively addressed without delay.

35. The primates must be provided with suitable enrichment material for the purpose of drawing out appropriate natural behaviours and providing them with suitable social, physical, sensory and cognitive stimuli.

36. Mixed species may only be kept together in the same enclosure where advice from an appropriate expert has first been obtained and the animals are kept in accordance with this advice.

37. The licence holder must ensure:

(a) the primates’ behaviour is monitored appropriately

(b) a record is kept of any inappropriate or abnormal behaviour exhibited by any primate

(c) an up-to-date plan for addressing inappropriate or abnormal behaviour by any primate is kept

(d) where abnormal behaviour is observed, advice from an appropriate expert is sought promptly

Conditions 33 and 36

These licence conditions are intended to ensure that primates are housed in stable groups of sufficient size and composition to allow normal behaviours, including social affiliative behaviours. The local authority should assess through the application process how the primates will be housed to meet this condition and the applicant’s understanding of appropriate grouping of the primates.

Mixed species may only be kept in the same enclosure if the licence holder has obtained advice from an appropriate expert. An ‘appropriate expert’ would include:

  • a veterinarian
  • other suitably qualified primate expert

The local authority should ask to see this advice if an applicant is proposing to keep mixed species in the same enclosure.

Conditions 34, 35 and 37

These licence conditions require a licence holder or those with responsible for caring and managing the primates to be familiar with:

  • the full normal behavioural repertoire of the species and the individual primates – this includes facial expressions, vocalisations and postures
  • signs of abnormal behaviour of that species

Qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of behaviour need to be considered, as well as the context in which the behaviours are displayed.

The local authority should assess the applicant’s knowledge of the above as part of its consideration of an application. This may be done by requesting evidence of the applicant’s knowledge such as the applicant providing evidence of attendance at suitable courses or review of materials.

Condition 35 requires a licence holder to provide the primates with appropriate cognitive challenges to avoid boredom, which can lead to inappropriate or abnormal behaviour. Environment enrichment and enrichment devices must provide suitable social, physical, sensory and cognitively challenging stimuli. The enrichment devices should aim to meet the primates’ biological needs and challenge their intelligence. They should be varied and be changed from time to time to avoid over-familiarisation and boredom and be safe for the primates.

38. No primate must be left unattended in a situation, or for any period, that is likely to cause it distress.

Handling and restraining primates

Conditions 39 to 41 include specific requirements in relation to primate handling and restraint.

39. Primates must only be handled or restrained by those competent to do so safely and appropriately, except if:

(a) it is necessary when removing the primate temporarily from the licensed premises or the enclosure for a veterinary examination, treatment, or in an emergency

(b) it is necessary when isolating the primate temporarily from other primates on the licensed premises

(c) it is necessary for an exhibition activity

(d) it is necessary when relocating the primate:

(i) from the licensed premises to other premises of the licence holder or to the premises of its new keeper; or

(ii) to the licensed premises from other premises of the licence holder or from the premises of its previous keeper; or

(e) a veterinarian has advised removing the primate from the enclosure and that removal is carried out in line with the veterinarian’s instructions or under their supervision

Primates should not be regularly handled or restrained as it can be detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Condition 39 therefore sets out the limited circumstances in which a primate may be handled. A primate may not otherwise be handled or restrained.

This licence condition also ensures that where a primate is allowed to be handled, the primate is handled by suitably experienced people and with appropriate care. Wherever possible, handling and restraint should be minimised by training primates using positive reinforcement techniques.

40. Where a primate is handled or restrained, the licence holder must ensure that:

(a) the primate is handled and restrained with appropriate care and in a manner that avoids unnecessary discomfort, stress or physical harm

(b) the period in which the primate is handled or restrained is minimised

A licence holder will need to ensure that those handling primates (where this is permitted) are competent to handle or restrain primates and are careful to avoid harming them.

The licence holder should have appropriate procedures in place to ensure that a primate is handled or restrained for the shortest time possible.

For example, it is recommended that some species should never be manually restrained while conscious due to significant risk of harm.

Handlers should also consider the weather conditions when determining the time of day for capture and restraint, avoiding the hottest part of the day where possible.

41. Sedation must not be used for the purpose of capturing a primate unless it is performed under veterinary supervision.

Licence holders must not use sedation to capture primates unless it is deemed necessary and performed by a veterinarian.

Transporting primates

Conditions 42 to 44 set out specific requirements in relation to the transportation of a primate. They must be transported according to the regulations laid down in current legislation.

42. No primate may be transported unless:

(a) it is necessary to remove the primate temporarily from the licensed premises for a veterinary examination, treatment, or in an emergency

(b) it is necessary for an exhibition activity

(c) the primate is being relocated

(i) from the licensed premises to other premises of the licence holder or to the premises of its new keeper

(ii) to the licensed premises from other premises of the licence holder or from the premises its previous keeper

The primates must only be transported for one of the reasons given in paragraphs (a) to (c) of Condition 42.

43. Where a primate is to be transported, the licence holder must ensure that:

(a) the means of transport and the crates or container in which the primate is transported are appropriate

(b) the facilities for loading and unloading the crate or container containing the primate onto or from the means of transport are appropriate

(c) the primate is physically assessed by a veterinarian to be fit to travel immediately before the primate is loaded onto the vehicle

(d) the primate is monitored and given treatment during the journey in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian that assessed it as fit to travel, unless a veterinarian is present to monitor and give treatment throughout the journey

(e) the length of the journey is minimised

(f) the primate is not left unattended at any point during the journey

(g) the enclosure at the place of destination is suitable for the primate

Transport containers (Condition 43(a))

A licence holder must only transport primates in an appropriate crate or container. Primates must never be loose in a vehicle.

A container is appropriate if it:

  • is strong enough to prevent primates from escaping or falling out
  • protects primates from harm – for example, it does not have sharp edges or projections
  • has a viewing window but affords security and privacy
  • has anti-slip flooring with suitable, absorbent bedding
  • is leak-proof
  • is capable of maintaining air quality
  • is capable of maintaining a specified temperature and humidity range suitable for the species
  • allows access to the primates so they can be inspected and cared for
  • provides enough floor area and height for primates – this must be appropriate to their size and the planned journey

An appropriate floor area and height must give primates enough space to:

  • travel in a natural position
  • turn around freely
  • stand
  • lie down
  • hang or perch

Where a primate is being transported by air, the container will also need to meet the International Air Transport Association’s requirements.

Fitness for transportation (Condition 43 (c))

A licence holder will need to ensure that a veterinarian physically examines the primates to be transported to assess their fitness for transportation. The assessment must take place immediately before the primates are loaded onto the vehicle.

Monitoring the primate during the journey (Condition 43(d))

A licence holder must ensure that the veterinarian that has assessed the primate for fitness for transportation provides instructions for monitoring and (where applicable) treating the primate during the journey unless a veterinarian will be accompanying the primate throughout the journey.

The licence holder must have a written procedure to demonstrate how any primate kept under the holder’s licence can be transported in the way required by Condition 43.

44. The licence holder must have in place a written procedure to ensure that the requirements in paragraph 43 will be met in relation to the transportation of any primate.

In assessing the transport’s suitability under Condition 43, a licence holder should consider:

  • the size of the vehicle
  • the safety of the vehicle
  • whether the mode of transport minimises the length of the journey
  • the comfort of the vehicle, including climate control and internal space
  • how containers will be secured within the vehicle
  • how containers will be arranged if multiple containers are being transported together – for example, primate containers must not be stacked on top of each other
  • whether the containers are leak proof and will be provided with suitable amounts of absorbent bedding

The licence holder must demonstrate that a suitable vehicle is available to transport the primate. It does not have to be owned by the licence holder.

Primates must not be left in vehicles for unreasonable periods. They must never be left unattended in a vehicle. Consideration must be given to whether it is necessary to transport when the temperature poses a risk.

Breeding

Conditions 45 to 48 relate to breeding and contraception. Breeding may only be carried out in the circumstances set out in Conditions 45 and 46.

45. No breeding may be carried out except under the supervision of the named veterinarian and in accordance with a breeding health and management plan provided by the veterinarian.

Breeding health and management plan

When developing a breeding health and management plan, the named veterinarian should aim to ensure that:

  • breeding individuals have appropriate genealogy, are not closely related and that breeding does not result in the hybridisation of species
  • the breeding individuals are healthy and free from disease and hereditary health and welfare conditions
  • there is an appropriate contingency plan for dealing with any offspring who are rejected or who are not developing at the minimum expected rate for that species
  • the enclosure and social grouping in the enclosure can suitably accommodate the mother to give birth naturally and rear her offspring (for example by providing nesting materials and separate areas)
  • breeding individuals are selected according to the likelihood they will successfully rear their offspring
  • selected breeding individuals appear to be well adapted behaviourally (that is, minimal repetitive behaviours, no excessive aggression or self-injurious behaviours)
  • breeding from individuals that have previously rejected their young does not occur except in exceptional circumstances (for example, where the rejection occurred due to health issues) – where exceptions are made, the plan should outline steps to reduce the likelihood of future infant rejections

There is specific information on marmoset and tamarin breeding health and management plans.

46. No breeding may be carried out if the number of primates born would result in the total number exceeding the maximum authorised under the licence.

47. All non-breeding primates must be given contraception under supervision of the named veterinarian.

Condition 47 requires fertile primates not intended for breeding and housed in potentially breeding groups to be given contraception. This must be carried out under the supervision and advice of the named veterinarian.

48. A mother and her infant may only be separated if advised to do so by the named veterinarian and this is done in the way the veterinarian advises.

A licence holder must not separate a primate mother and her infant unless the named veterinarian has advised separation, and it is carried out in line with the veterinarian’s instructions.

The records kept under Condition 6.1(a) should also include records of still births.

Updates to this page

Published 10 July 2025

Sign up for emails or print this page

Contents