Two young rhesus monkeys who were kept as family “pets” arrived at the Sanctuary in recent months.
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Zach’s particularly said history is all too familiar to us and once again demonstrates why wild animals such as nonhuman primates should not be kept as “pets.” Zach hit the media headlines in Chicago after escaping from his cage and biting a teenage girl. The girl recovered, but Zach was seized by Animal Control as the family had no permit to keep him. In such situations, it is not uncommon for an aggressive monkey to be killed. Fortunately for Zach, local animal advocates and the API Primate Sanctuary convinced Animal Control to re-home this aggressive former “pet.”
Zach arrived at the Sanctuary showing signs of stereotypic behavior, including thumb-sucking and clutching his feet. In the past few months, Zach has settle dwell into his new surroundings and has struck up a close friendship with another young male rhesus called Chingee (nicknamed “Teddy” by Sanctuary staff). Teddy came to the Sanctuary afer his “family” reached the right decision that it is wrong to keep primates as “pets.” He is a playful individual and follows Zach everywhere. The two have become inseparable and spend their days playing, grooming each other, and eating together. It is wonderful to watch them.
You can help us provide lifelong care for these monkeys and others like them by making a donation or adopting a primate today.