York Council to License Primate Keepers Under New National Regulations

York Council is preparing to license primate keepers following new national regulations. The rules, effective from April 2026, require keepers to meet zoo-level welfare standards. A one-year license is proposed to cost £386. The council anticipates previously unknown primate owners may emerge. Liberal Democrat Cllr Anne Hook suggests many small primates like marmosets could be revealed. The council will conduct inspections to ensure compliance. Born Free estimates up to 5,000 privately-owned primates exist in Britain. The charity emphasizes the need for robust enforcement. They advocate against keeping primates as pets due to their complex needs.