Monkey Darwin hit headlines in Dec 2012 when he was captured roaming in an Ikea parking lot in a shearling coat in Oshawa, Ontarion, Canada. His “mother owner” accused the rescuers and local animal organizations of playing up a simple primate’s curiosity which took him away from his home. Thereon, continued a fierce legal battle with the owner giving up rights after sanctuary officials accused the owner’s family of torturing the animal.
Dec 10 will be nine years since Darwin aroused the world’s interest and went on to be named “Ikea Monkey.” It belongs to the Japanese Macaque species.
Canada is known for its love of exotic pets. These are acquired for hefty sums and then housed in lavish farmhouses or sprawling properties. However, animal activists and NGOs have been gathering support to amend the “outdated laws” which permit wild animals taken away from their natural habitat and bred in captivity.
As of date, Darwin continues to enjoy limelight at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in Sunderland, Ontario.
