A new report has unveiled a significant escalation in the online sale of primates across major social media platforms in the United States, prompting widespread concern among wildlife and conservation groups. Researchers discovered more than 1,600 primates advertised for sale on platforms including Facebook and TikTok during a concentrated six-week period in 2025, according to the report titled 'Primates for Purchase: The Surge in Sales on Social Media in the US'. This alarming trend highlights a growing problem with wildlife trafficking, poses potential risks to public safety, and raises serious questions about the welfare of these animals.
The comprehensive report, compiled by a coalition of leading wildlife and conservation organisations, meticulously documented the scale of the problem. Its findings suggest that social media has become a prominent, easily accessible marketplace for the illicit trade of primates, often bypassing conventional regulations and oversight. The ease with which these animals can be bought and sold online facilitates a trade that is inherently difficult to monitor and control.
The implications of this surge in online sales are far-reaching. From an animal welfare perspective, primates kept as pets often suffer immensely due to unsuitable living conditions, improper diets, and a lack of necessary social interaction. Many are taken from their mothers at a very young age, leading to psychological and developmental issues. Furthermore, the unregulated nature of these sales means there is little to no accountability for the conditions in which these animals are bred, transported, or kept.
Beyond animal welfare, there are significant public safety concerns. Primates, even those bred in captivity, are wild animals and can be unpredictable, carrying diseases transmissible to humans, such as herpes B virus, monkeypox, and tuberculosis. The report underscores the potential health risks to individuals who come into contact with these animals, particularly if they are not properly vaccinated or cared for. The lack of veterinary oversight in these transactions further exacerbates these dangers.
Conservation organisations are particularly worried about the contribution of this online trade to global wildlife trafficking. While some animals sold online may originate from captive breeding programmes, the demand can inadvertently fuel the illegal capture of primates from their natural habitats, threatening already vulnerable populations. This illicit trade undermines international efforts to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.