Willow Wisp - Part 2
We went everywhere together. I might add here, I had pursued my permit diligently, as Maine does not allow monkeys as "pets" under any circumstances! The only permissible primate permits were for use in a therapeutic setting. I was in luck! I had directed (among many other things) a therapeutic riding program, using my Paso Fino horses, for 5 years previously. This was my way in to satisfy the state I was capable of using the monkey in a therapeutic setting. I had also been a wildlife rehabilitator for 17 + years, so the powers that be knew whom they were dealing with. In preparing Willow for her life's profession, I introduced her to numerous varied situations to expand her horizons. Needless to say, she never left contact with some part of my body as she was socialized. It took some time, but she gradually accepted other people as potential friends. She grew to trust people more each day and before I knew it, she would venture out away from me to cling to another new member of her ever-expanding troop, inquiring how they had been and relating to them how she was.
She began to accept each person unconditionally. A lesson she shared with many a teen at the local teen center she and I volunteered at. Church members, especially the elderly, were entranced by her. People in the street would stop to inquire about her. Everyone we met was told the story of her life, the commitment, the time and energy expended and the gratification and love she brought to everyone she met. And lastly, the invitation to come and visit our farm for a "monkey-fix". I constantly stressed to each person we met the tremendous dedication necessary to incorporate a primate into one's life. Not a single person left unsatisfied with the experience. Most, and probably all, who came up to us stating," Oh, I have always wanted to have a monkey!" left with my knowledge I had convinced them to rethink their motives and desires to "own" a monkey. I truly believe no one may ever own a monkey; caretake, share your life with, adopt, "Yes", but never own. I felt that by allowing each and every person we met the opportunity to visit us, I could help prevent unnecessary heartache and despair on behalf of a few primates. It takes a certain type of person to be capable of understanding and relating to a primate. I believe that with all my heart! They are not pets and should never be considered as such. The enormous amount of personality that these creatures have been blessed with totally precludes them from being considered just a pet!
Latest Articles