I've seen people with chimps in cages in their backyard. In cages. Didn't seem right even at the time. But I was a kid, and said nothing (and got ripped off on the Nova I bought from the guy, as well).
These chimps were supposed to be returning to something of a feral condition, by design, as I understand it. These people may have been 'sponsors'. I don't know. But just because you have the big government severage bucks doesn't mean that all should be open to you. He who pays calls the tune? No . . I don't think so. There's a reason a whole assortment of critters are not allowed as pets - tigers, lions, you know? even though people do.
"(and got ripped off on the Nova I bought from the guy, as well)."
What year Nova?