r/ape

Monkeys in the Crib.

But clean poop first

I want to adopt a little baby monkey with little to no autonomy at all, and are extremely dependant of me, that needs me to change their little diapers, bottlefeed with milk and baby formula, that cries and throws tantrum every single minute because I'm the only thing their little universe spins around.

I really, seriously want to adopt a baby monkey after watching several baby monkey videos. I know just for saying this I'm in the wrong in your books, and I indeed also want to get them neutered and their teeth shaved, on top of vaccinations and such. Yes, i know is wrong, but SO? There's a lot of wrongful things that are actively getting defended in this world, a guy who wants a little baby monkey won't make it worse because it's not like the monkey mother already been killed by a farmer or held captive by a breeder.

I already looked up for which species I would consider, there's a native species in my country that I personally consider because of their small size.

(yes, I know all the crap behind them, you don't need me to reassure me on it because I'm already aware and I couldn't give a f about it), here's some examples of the very exact thing that I want.

https://youtu.be/F8dmGPp6DBE?si=_gPaPWMjEcB9x3xX

https://youtu.be/2qFJHnZVPtw?si=8ZXSVMLFrKEVls81

https://youtu.be/ydKYNKmHVsg?si=Nc2TDXUVjw7fDnSm

https://youtu.be/VRl7TSSn-RQ?si=1qPMD7_kryz41aKJ

I'd love nothing more than to have personal interactions with apes and monkeys.

To cuddle up to an orangutan, feed a baby chimpanzee, play with spider monkeys, to sit besides a bonobo and bond over a delicious fruit snack. I think it's safe to say most of us here have likely had similar thoughts. After all, we're here because we love Apes and primates, are we not?

However, it would be wholly selfish of me to put my own desires before the wellbeing of another sentient creature. Primates are deeply social animals that need the company of their own kin to survive and live happy fulfilling lives.

Were I to "own" a primate, it would not matter how much sincere love and good will I'd have towards them, I would simply not be able to meet their needs for companionship, dietary requirements, or mental/physical stimulation and enrichment. Nor could I keep up with their needs as a complex social animal and I think it's fair to say 90% of people would not have the space they need either.

Primates are not domesticated like cats, dogs, ferrets, or pigeons. While I will always fight against the evil chimpanzee stereotype, it is a fact that they, and other primates, can be dangerous and unpredictable especially when mistreated. It is ridiculous to assume any Tom, Dick, or Harry could safely raise and provide for their needs without proper training in their care and psychology.

This isn't even covering the fact that "owning" a primate will directly support the exotic pet trade, which murders countless innocent animals and itself funds other horrific crimes all over the world.

[Side note: Zoos]

Zoos, reserves, and sanctuaries are of course, completely different stories. While not every zoo is a good zoo >!(the USA seems to have lots of really shitty private ones)!<, for many many animals they are the only chance at a good life. They otherwise would suffer and quickly die in the wild. Many Zoos and Sanctuaries help conservation and even directly contribute to rewilding efforts. They aren't perfect, but they are not the same as "oi, me mate Derek's got a little monkey on a string".

Art is mine