An avenue for escapism can come from the companionship, interaction with, or simply observing cute fluffy animals. But what happens when animals that are meant to be in human care are treated or kept in ways that is distressing to them and their mental well-being, where is their avenue for escapism?
Recently Dr Alison Cronin MBE, Director of Monkey World - Ape Rescue Center, highlighted the use of primates by social media influencers and the wider remaining problem of the legal pet trade of primates in the UK. This week Monkey World were called to rescue a marmoset named Tiktok, who had been used to try and boost a social media account.
Sadly this isn't a rare occurrence in the UK. Seller listings for marmosets are easily found online, with listings frequently using terms like "cute baby marmoset" and indicating perfectly fine for keeping at home. Others indicate the 'willingness' of the animal to pose for photos, wear clothes and interact with children or other pets.
Marmosets, like most primates, are a social species that live in small to medium groups. They're not domesticated, and the idea of them enjoying their at home lifestyle, massively overlooks behavioural issues they will display.
The problem exists elsewhere in the world too. One Miami based keeper, exploits two marmosets to over 850,000 followers on Instagram, with posts of the primates wearing clothes and performing for the camera. Facebook and Instagram appear to condone such treatment of primates, by awarding the account a blue verified tick.
In the UK the trade of primates is legal and with no licensing or registration required for over 80 species. Invariably the outcome of home kept primates ends badly, as people find the activeness, intelligence and behavioural changes due to the improper environment, make these wild animals unkeepable. Monkey World has rescued over 100 primates from the UK pet trade and have a waiting list of another 50.
The good news is that legislation is currently making its way through Parliament, with the Kept Animals Bill having its first reading on 8th June 2021. This bill provides provisions to ban the sale and trade of primates within England. As a Government proposed bill, it should have a greater chance of becoming law, although the sizable libertarian portion of this government and Conservative backbenchers does not for me make it's success appear a mere formality. It's hoped that the devolved governments will follow suit with this change to the law.
For Tiktok the marmoset, the story has a happy ending. On arrival to Monkey World they were immediately welcomed into the marmoset group, and can now begin their life as a marmoset not a living doll for someone.
More information about this issue can be found from the world experts in primate rescue at Monkey World. If this is an issue that resonates with you, consider contacting your local MP to help ensure the Kept Animals Bill makes its way through Parliament.