Ikea Monkey Will Remain In Sanctuary
The Ikea monkey will remain in an animal sanctuary. Ontario Superior Court Judge Mary Vallee dismissed Yasmin Nakhuda’s request to take the monkey home. Nakhuda refers to herself as Darwin’s mom.
Last year, Darwin was found wandering around an Ikea parking lot. He was wearing a beige coat with sheepskin accents and a diaper. He eventually made his way inside the store.
The Japanese macaque monkey reportedly escaped from Nakhuda’s vehicle.
The Ikea monkey became an instant sensation. As reported by The Globe and Mail, photos and video of the fashionable primate quickly went viral. The ordeal eventually gained the attention of animal services.
Darwin was seized and taken to Story Brook Farm Primate Sanctuary. Nakhuda signed a permission form, which gave the city ownership of the monkey. She later claimed that she was tricked into signing the form.
Nakhuda eventually filed a case with the Ontario Superior Court. She sought ownership of Darwin, and asked to take him home.
Judge Vallee dismissed the request, stating that monkeys are not pets. Vallee pointed out that Darwin is a wild animal. She further stated that Nakhuda lost her ownership rights when the monkey escaped.
Canadian courts rarely hear wild animal cases. Therefore, the case was decided as though the monkey were possession. Judge Valley explains that “the monkey is not a child… the monkey is a chattel… a piece of property.”
Nakhuda argued that Darwin was a member of her family. The monkey lived in Nakhuda’s home for five months before he escaped. Darwin had an impressive wardrobe and often shared Nakuda’s bed.
As reported by CTV, Darwin’s former owner says she never would have signed the paperwork if she had not been deceived.
Vallee says Nakhuda was certainly distressed when she signed over ownership. However, as an attorney, she certainly understood what she was signing.
The Ikea monkey has a new home at the sanctuary. He is reportedly doing well and is in good health. Sanctuary workers are trying to increase his independence from human interaction.
[Images via Facebook]
