Monkey Business Sparks Controversy

Matt Bigelow has written the world's greatest feature story over on Medill Reports.

If you're into monkeys. Link

The Gist: Illinois is one of 19 states without any legislation governing the private ownership of nonhuman primates. While many monkey owners believe housing monkeys as pets poses no risk, animal sanctuaries, primate researchers and former monkey owners are clamoring for regulation and education.

When Rebekah Furgeson and her spouse, Jon Madorsky, purchased a two-pound, eight-inch marmoset four years ago they found their new pet lovable and docile. After multiple bites that led to stitches and an infection over the course of a few years, the two now don't find Chachi so cuddly.

“This thing is nothing but a pain in the ass," Madorsky said. "Imagine how agile a cat is and multiply that by a squirrel. This little thing bites. You name it – bitten: bite your hand, bite your ear."

In fact, Chachi turned relationships in the couple's south Loop household upside down. "As the monkey grew more mature, he assumed ownership of one of our dogs," Madorsky said, pointing out that Chachi would ride the dog, hang on its fur and become hostile when Madorsky approached the two.

Madorsky and Ferguson had no inkling their "fun idea" of monkey ownership would spiral so drastically out of control. They purchased Chachi from a private breeder in Texas. He informed them of how to properly feed and maintain the primate but offered no clues on the social and behavioral needs of a monkey.

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