The Story of Gizmo the Vervet, Former “Pet” and Current Sanctuary Resident – Part Three

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our series about Gizmo the vervet monkey. If you have not already done so, please be sure to read part one and part two.

In this final installment, we can share with you the beginning of a happy ending for Gizmo. Now a resident of the Born Free USA sanctuary, Gizmo is enjoying being part of a small monkey troop and exploring what life beyond the pet trade means for him. First, “M,” Gizmo’s former owner, describes how she reached out to Born Free USA to rehome Gizmo to our sanctuary.

A New Beginning for Gizmo

I did some research in primate rescues but saw something that said the chances of placing a monkey is more likely to happen if you can make a major donation to their lifetime care. I thought then and there that I would not find one that would take him as I did not have that kind of money. But, I sent an email anyway and I said a small prayer with the thought that if it was meant to be it will happen. A day later I got a response, and I knew I was doing the right thing.

The other day we took his cage outside and just set it there and I broke down crying. Not because he was gone (although that was part of it), but because I could not believe how small it looked when it was out there. I cried because I forced him into that little cage thinking that it was okay, and I wondered how I would feel if it were me.

I am so thankful for what Born Free USA has done for him and for listening to me without judgement. Giving him a natural monkey environment is what I really to want for him and now hopefully he will have a real monkey family.

Gizmo is now on the beginning of his journey to join a real monkey family. Since his arrival, he has been introduced to vervets Louie, Ricky, Kiki, and Archie. He has developed a particular bond with Louie, and the pair spend most of their time together. As he builds confidence with the rest of the group, he will begin to spend more time in their company; eventually living permanently as part of this small but mighty vervet troop.

Now, Gizmo lives, plays, and socializes with other monkeys in a large enclosure with plenty of enrichment and climbing structures. He has a species-appropriate diet and access to on-hand veterinary care. Gizmo now has a home for life at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary.

We are so grateful to “M” for taking the decision to allow Gizmo this second chance, and for sharing her story so openly. We hope that her heartfelt account of life with a monkey as a “pet” will help others to understand why this trade must be ended for good.

Like M says: They do not belong to us.

Some 15,000+ monkeys are kept as pets in the U.S. The Captive Primate Safety Act would ban the private keeping of primates as pets in the U.S., ending a cruel and dangerous trade that threatens public safety and animal welfare. Please urge your U.S. Senators and Representative to co-sponsor this important bill.