National Geographic

Last night there was an amazing story on National Geographic Taboo - Pets. The lead story was kinda "gross"(taxadermy) but the following story was dead on- It was a rerun, so check the web site to see when it will be aired again.

The story featured a pet Capuchin, owned by a single mother with one son looked to be age 5 or 6. She got me reflecting on all the youtube videos that show Capuchin's doing "cute" things. Which fuels the publics "romantic " notions about owning a pet monkey. Monkey's are ALOT of WORK. And they can be very mean and cause physical harm. She pointed out the fact that there is not one monkey owner that can say he or she has never been bitten - which is true. I have lots of scars. But for the most part for me, the happy times out weight the bad. Its all how I respond to the situation.

The monkey's teeth and jaws are incredible strong. and how we as responsible pet owners react and respond to those moment are defining. Because a monkey NEVER forgets. They are always watching and learning. Never underestimate a monkey. They are fast when loose, that is why Chance wears clothing so I have something to grab for. And Thank God for that TAIL. Another means by which to capture the little stinker where he has escaped and taken something. I also noticed that the monkey's in the feature located at the sanctuary www.junglefriends.com, none of their canine teeth had been blunted OUCH for the previous owner. That their removes skin!

I think youtube.com over simplifies pet monkey's in the total picture of their care. Diaper changes, nail filing, nutritional needs, stimulation, TLC.... all takes time and patience.