Residents support couple’s monkeys

Neighborhood members support the continued
presence of the monkeys.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

GIRARD — As city council reviews legislation to address monkey and other exotic animal ownership, some residents made it clear Monday that there’s community love for two monkeys living in their neighborhood.

Erik and Wendi Parker of Ward Avenue adopted two small monkeys two years ago. The couple says they have taken time training and forging a family bond with the animals.

Several members of the Ward Avenue community showed up at city council Monday in support of the Parkers — saying the monkeys are members of the neighborhood and they have grown used to the primates. Several even attended a recent birthday party for the monkeys complete with a Cookie Monster cake.

Now, the Parkers are worried that legislation being considered by council might call for the removal of their monkeys.

Discussion on monkey ownership started after Jim Dobson, city health commissioner, received complaints from community members about residents who own monkeys — and monkeys hanging around a business.

According to Dobson, Pleasures of the Flesh tattoo shop on State Street has two monkeys caged in the business lobby. He said a woman became concerned about the monkeys when a family member went to get a tattoo.

Dobson also said there are at least two homes with monkeys as pets in the city.

Erik Parker told council Monday that his is one of those households.

Parker presented council with research on monkey ownership, vaccines and disease concerns. He assured council that his monkeys are properly caged and wear diapers and a leash whenever out of the cage.

Members of council said they would review the information and discuss it and other issues at council’s next regular meeting.

Several pieces of legislation concerning monkey and other exotic animal ownership on the agenda for council’s consideration were tabled indefinitely. The matter was referr ed to council’s health and safety committee for further review.

Councilman Mike Costarella, chairman of the health and safety committee, said it’s his understanding that council is not looking to snatch pet monkeys out of the homes. He said council has been asked to look into the tattoo business because the animals are being housed in what is to be a sterile environment.

Councilman Larry Wiliams said council is doing little more than looking to address the concerns of the public.

“We are not jumping on exotic animals here. Was there a complaint, yes. Was there some concern, yes. That is all we are addressing here,” he said.

Erik Parker said his intent is to educate council on monkey ownership before any decisions are made. He said the monkeys, one named Tristan and the other Mikeia, are members of his family and he shudders to think what would become of them if they are taken out of the home.

According to Wendi Parker, the family and neighborhood just is not willing to give the animals up. “We, if anything, want our [monkeys] grandfathered in,” she said.

jgoodwin@vindy.com