Leading primate welfare charity hits out over Bieber pet monkey scandal

As reports circulate over international superstar Justin Bieber’s arrival in Germany with a baby monkey in tow, several sources report that the import was illegal. Bieber allegedly did not have the appropriate documentation and so the young capuchin monkey, named “Mally”, is being held in quarantine and the performer may now face a large fine.  Leading primate welfare charity, Wild Futures, have called for the primate to be permanently rehomed in a sanctuary.

Many press reports bring attention to the fact that there are potential health risks of bringing a monkey into Europe without the correct documentation, but there has been little mention of the serious welfare concerns for Mally himself who, from photographs posted on Twitter of the singer and the monkey, is clearly no more than a few months old.

Primates such as Mally who have been sold into the pet trade are usually removed from their mothers very shortly after birth – this is despite the fact that doing so has been clearly demonstrated to cause lasting psychological damage and developmental difficulties.  Capuchins are dependent on their mothers for years, and these strong bonds can last a lifetime within the context of large and complex social groups that they are naturally adapted to live in.  Maternal deprivation and social isolation are only two of the many factors that are known to cause unacceptable suffering in pet primates.

“It’s time that the inherent cruelty of the primate pet trade is taken seriously in the EU and the rest of the world” said Brooke Aldrich, Campaigns Manager Wild Futures.  “I certainly hope that the authorities don’t simply babysit this poor baby monkey for Mr. Bieber, give him a light slap on the wrist and sent them both on their way.  Millions of young fans are watching Bieber’s every move.  We need to make a clear statement here that monkeys are not pets”.

The charity called for Mally to be rehomed permanently to a reputable primate sanctuary where he can be given the chance to live out his days in a more natural environment.

Director of the Captive Animals’ Protection Society, Liz Tyson, supported the call saying:

“Primates are not pets and we are very concerned that this may trigger copycat purchases of exotic animals as fans try to emulate their hero. The media and celebrities are hugely influential and we sincerely hope that Justin Bieber will take this opportunity to do the right thing by Mally”.*

Wild Futures operates a sanctuary for rescued ex-pet monkeys in Cornwall, UK and has first-hand experience of the suffering caused by the trade in primates as pets.  The centre rescues and rehabilitates monkeys in need, allowing them to socialise with their own kind in a safe home for life. Wild Futures campaigns to see an end to the primate pet trade in the UK and abroad.

*Wild Futures is working with other leading animal welfare organisations like CAPS, Born Free Foundation, Humane Society International and the RSPCA .