Help us get Justice for Joey
We are calling for Justice for Joey – a capuchin monkey we rescued in 2007.
Joey, spent 9 years as a pet, in conditions that left him disabled and traumatised.
It was not possible to consider the possibility of prosecution in 2007, as his owner fled the country. Now she has returned to the UK, but prosecution is not possible due to the potential offence being longer than 3 years ago*.
There are approximately 5,000 privately owned primates in the UK with calls to rescue centres and sanctuaries growing.
All our rescued monkeys suffer physically and or psychologically following their time kept as pets.
We are calling for an entire ban on the primate pet trade – Enough is Enough – the suffering must end!
Please help us get Justice for Joey and all other monkeys who are suffering as pets.
Joey’s Story by Stephen Fry
Joey the capuchin monkey, was stolen from the rainforest at just 3 months old. His mother allegedly killed for bush meat.
This film was produced by Environment Films
Flown from South America to the UK, Joey was locked in a tiny cage in a flat in Camden Town for 9 years.
He was deprived of the company of his own kind, unable to exercise, had no access to natural sunlight and became crippled by bone disease. He has a misshapen pelvis, curved spine, poorly formed teeth and jaws and will always be severely disabled.
Joey was rescued by our charity in 2007 and now lives at our Sanctuary.
Although Joey is now in a much better place, with large spacious enclosures, and most importantly, the company of other capuchin monkeys, he will always carry the physical and emotional trauma of his life as a pet. His is a life sentence.
How you can help:
1. Send a letter to your MP.
Download the letter template below and find out who your local MP is on either of these sites www.writetothem.com or www.theyworkforyou.com.
2. Download and display a profile picture to show your support, download here.
3. Adopt Joey and help us to continue fighting for justice.
By adopting a monkey, you will help Wild Futures care for monkeys in need, rescue more from situations of isolation and neglect and help fight this cruel trade to protect monkeys in the future. As well as this work in the UK, you will be supporting projects overseas, helping to protect habitats and primates worldwide.
Or download our Adoption application form to adopt by post
Stephen Fry has adopted Joey and says: “We are meant to be a nation of animal lovers, so why the trade in a wild, social animal with complex needs is still legal, continues to astound me. Joey’s story is not unique – many of the monkeys rescued by Wild Futures have their own terrible tales. Taking part in this project was important to me and I sincerely hope that many people are moved to support Wild Futures’ work, so that the charity can campaign to put an end to the trade and rescue more monkeys in need.”
*Section 31 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 states that a magistrates’ court “may try an information if it is laid before the end of the period of 3 years beginning with the date of the offence.”