What is a Bush Baby, and Should They Be Kept as Pets?

If you’ve seen this adorable viral video of a bush baby playing with a small toy ball, you might have Googled: “Can I adopt a bush baby as a pet?” Perhaps that’s how you ended up here in the first place. It’s an understandable question, seeing as the little animals are quite playful and energetic. I mean, look at how excited the bush baby gets in the short video above, as it scratches at the table and waits for its human to push its toy back. However, the question stands: should bush babies be kept as pets? These tiny, exotic creatures, also known as galagos or nagapies, may seem like the ideal pet. However, is it even legal to own a bush baby? Let’s dive into this complex topic.

What Are Bush Babies?

Bush babies are small nocturnal primates that reside in Africa. They’re typically around the size of a squirrel, sometimes smaller. This tree-dwelling animal is also commonly known as the “nagapie,” which means “night monkey” in Afrikaans. These tiny, playful creatures bear a similar resemblance to lemurs. 

Bush babies are known specifically for their large eyes, often appearing wide-eyed and shocked. However, their massive eyes are what give them superb night vision, which is necessary since they’re nocturnal. They also have large ears that can pinpoint different sounds by rotating. Additionally, their long, powerful hind legs help them jump to flee predators and move through the forest. 

These animals also give off a baby-like cry, similar to that of a human baby—hence their nickname of “bush baby.” They are quite social creatures, marking their territory with urine and often sleeping in groups. However, when it comes to hunting and foraging, they typically do so alone at night. 

Where Are Bush Babies Found?

Bush babies are found all across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa to East Africa. There are various bush baby species, some living in savannas and others residing in tropical forests. Many live in woodlands and bushlands. Depending on the species, many bush babies have adapted to different environments and can even be found on nearby islands. For example, the Zanzibar bush baby is widespread, often residing on the island of Unguja.

Can Bush Babies Be Pets?

Bush babies are not meant to be pets. In fact, they are highly threatened by the exotic pet trade. Not to mention, it is illegal to own them in many U.S. states. This makes sense, considering their complex needs and social structures. Bush babies thrive among their own species, and when separated, they can experience anxiety and developmental issues. 

Environmentally speaking, these animals also need space to climb and explore. They are extremely intelligent creatures that require constant stimulation, which can only be accessed in the wild. Holding them captive in your own home can stunt their growth and cause irritability, among other issues. 

If you are determined to adopt a bush baby as a pet, it is technically possible in certain states. For example, Texas and Tennessee have previously allowed ownership of certain primates, though laws are always subject to change. Additionally, adopting a bush baby supports the exotic pet trade. Along with habitat loss, the pet trade is one of the greatest threats to these adorable creatures. By adopting one as a pet, you are actively contributing to their decline.

Do Bush Babies Even Make Good Pets?

Contrary to what you might believe after watching that heartwarming YouTube short, bush babies do not make good pets. Yes, they are often playful and social creatures, like the one shown playing ball in the video. However, as mentioned above, they do not thrive in captivity and will likely become irritated or stunted.

If you attempt to keep a bush baby as a pet, you are depriving it of its basic needs. As a result, the animal will not behave as you might expect or want a pet to behave. Rather than being cuddly and loving, they will likely become destructive and perhaps even hostile. This is the price you pay for trying to domesticate a wild animal.

Bush babies are also known for disease transmission, which is yet another reason they aren’t great pets. Like all primates, they can spread diseases to humans and vice versa. In other words, you’re putting yourself and your primate at risk. It’s simply not worth it—for you or for the innocent animal. If you truly love bush babies, you will do so from a distance, respecting their need to be free.