George Hoppendale
Some people, however many times they read that spider monkeys are not good pets, decide to buy one. This book is a guide of how to make the monkeys as happy as possible in a domesticated environment, knowing that they will never really be happy as they are born to live in the wild. There really is no 'good way' of keeping any monkeys as pets and the spider monkey is no exception. Spider monkeys are strong, wild animals who can cause serious damage if taken away from their natural environment. They can become very scared, very aggressive towards other animals and human beings and often, they end up in very poor health. Too many monkeys die because their owners don't know how to care for them. A lot of monkeys are bought from the black market but the people buying them don't even know this. Breeders are extremely cruel by ripping away baby monkeys from their mothers when they are only a few weeks old, making it a very distressing experience for the baby monkey and the mum. Keeping primates as pets is wrong and cruel for the animal. You cannot take a non-domesticated animal and than expect to have a lovely pet like a cat or a dog. Spider monkeys are unfortunately fast turning into endangered species. People, sadly, are their greatest enemy. People hunt them down for meat and also drag them into lucrative pet trade. However, despite all this, people still get spider monkeys as pets. This book is for those people. If you DO decide to get a spider monkey, regardless of all the problems surrounding these animals. please make their home as pleasant as possible and please, please, love them dearly. The opening chapter of this book, which explores the fascinating lives of these creatures in the tropical rain forests of South and Central America, proves otherwise. No one should attempt to welcome a spider monkey into their home or life without first understanding their social and psychological complexity, which has a direct bearing on their behaviour in captivity. This book provides a thoughtful commentary on the importance of environment, which is crucial to creating an appropriate habitat for a pet spider monkey. I also focus on the daily care these creatures require, the intricacies of constructing a home environment for them, and the necessity of regular and thorough veterinary care. You will also find a resource and reference section, which includes common terms, sources for supplies, and owner discussion and support groups, followed by concluding remarks and a Glossary. Appendix I is a list of legal provisions in the United States and the United Kingdom relevant to keeping spider monkeys as pets. Appendix II lists primate sanctuaries. Sadly, many pet monkeys are given up as they age. At sexual maturity, monkeys become more aggressive and are often uncontrollable. Zoos will not adopt primates that have been raised as pets, so sanctuaries play a vital role in protecting these animals that, by the circumstances of their raising, really don't act like monkeys. Where applicable, the text provides information for both the United States and the United Kingdom. The end result is not just another pet 'how to' book, but an honest attempt to prepare any prospective spider monkey owner for the life-long commitment they are undertaking. Having a spider monkey as a pet is rather like adopting a child. This easily accessible text is a must read for anyone contemplating adopting a monkey. The advice is straightforward and practical and will benefit both sides of the equation - man and monkey.
