Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet

Considerations before Commitment

Kinkajous (Honey Bears) are nocturnal, tree-dwelling mammals related to raccoons. They are highly active and possess unique environmental, nutritional, and hydration needs if kept in captivity.

1. Housing Requirements

Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet

 Kinkajous (Honey Bears) require:

• A large, multi-level enclosures
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) are strictly arboreal
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) habitat needs climbing structures
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) habitat needs branches
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) habitat needs suspended ropes
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) also need a warm enclosed and insulated nesting box – like a dark hollow log or wooden box
• To sleep in during the day

 

2. Food Requirements

Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet

Kinkajous are affectionately known as honey bears because of their love of sweets!

 Kinkajous (Honey Bears) diet is:

1. About 90% fresh, high-sugar fruit
2. Such as figs, grapes
3. Such as bananas
4. Such as melons

 

2. The remaining portion of Kinkajous (Honey Bears) diet can include:

• Small amounts of insects
• Small amounts of flower nectar
• Small amounts of high-quality monkey

 

3. Kinkajous (Honey Bears) should not be fed:

• Avocados
• Citrus fruits
• Broccoli
• Dairy

 

3. Water Requirements

Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet

 Kinkajous (Honey Bears) derive significant hydration from the high water content in ripe fruits

• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) must also have access to clean drinking water

Experts recommend using a securely attached water bottle with a sipper tube, as Kinkajous (Honey Bears) are likely to flip over or dirty a standard water bowl.

 

4. Serious Considerations

Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet

1. Strict Legality Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet:

• Keeping exotic animals like kinkajous is highly restricted in most jurisdictions
• You must check with local municipal bylaws
• You must check with regional bylaws
• You must check with federal bylaws

 

2. Nocturnal Schedule Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet:

• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) are most active at night
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) can be very loud
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) can be disruptive
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) can be destructive if not given proper out-of-cage time

 

3. Bite Risk and Aggression Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet:
4. Despite Kinkajous (Honey Bears) teddy-bear appearance:
5. Kinkajous (Honey Bears) have sharp teeth
6. Kinkajous (Honey Bears) have sharp claws
7. If startled or during territorial feeding periods Kinkajous (Honey Bears) can/will become aggressive
8. If startled or during territorial feeding periods Kinkajous (Honey Bears) can/will inflict severe bites

 

4. It is difficult to House Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet

• They are virtually impossible to potty train and require massive, expensive walk-in enclosures. [1, 2]

 

5. Specialized Diet Kinkajous (Honey Bears) as a Pet:

• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) require a specific diet of fresh fruit
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) require a specific diet of nectar
• Kinkajous (Honey Bears) require a specific diet of monkey chow

 

Finding an exotic animal veterinarian capable of treating Kinkajous (Honey Bears) is also both difficult and expensive.

Owners of these “honey bears” frequently warn that internet videos only show the cute highlight reel – while the daily reality requires incredible dedication and patience.

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