Primates are bought and sold as pets in North Carolina.

PRIME NC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending primate pet ownership in North Carolina through focused policy change and advocacy. In our state, primates are bought and sold as pets, driven by a strong supply and demand that puts these captivating creatures at risk. Founded by Matthew Burkhart, a student at NC State University and seasonal educator at the Duke Lemur Center, on September 1, 2025—International Primate Day—PRIME NC was created to confront this pressing issue.

Currently, no legislation in North Carolina exists that specifically bans the ownership of primates as pets. PRIME NC is actively working to change this by creating and advocating for a bill aimed solely at prohibiting primates as pets in the state. We also support national efforts to ban primates as pets, including the Captive Primate Safety Act.

While acknowledging that primates are fascinating and captivating animals, PRIME NC is committed to educating the public by providing comprehensive information about the species of primates commonly trafficked. We also offer resources on ethical ways to view and appreciate primates both within North Carolina and through online platforms and social media, emphasizing conservation and respect for these extraordinary animals.