Monday, September 10, 2012

Crystal the star of Hangover II inspired cruel trend in buying Capuchin monkeys for pets


She is the most famous monkey in the world having appeared in a number of Hollywood blockbusters and currently being one of the most highly-paid stars on U.S. television.
But along with the success Crystal the Capuchin monkey has accrued since she first appeared in  George of the Jungle in 1997, she has also brought with it an unsettling trend - keeping the wild animals as pets.
As Crystal's popularity soared after appearing in Night at the Museum, The Hangover Part II and most recently in NBC's Animal Practice, she inadvertently sparked an epidemic of cruelty to thousands of monkeys.
crystal
A Capuchin monkey looks out of it's cage at the Alameda Park Zoo Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001, in Alamogordo, N.M
As Crystal's popularity soared after appearing in Night at the Museum, The Hangover, Part II and most recently in NBC's Animal Practice, left, she inadvertently sparked an epidemic of cruelty to thousands of monkeys
Debut: Crystal made her first movie appearance in George of the Jungle in 1997 when she was just three-years-old
Debut: Crystal made her first movie appearance in George of the Jungle in 1997 when she was just three-years-old

Hollywood star: Crystal really captured the nation's hearts as Dexter in Night at the Museum alongside Ben Stiller, pictured
Hollywood star: Crystal really captured the nation's hearts as Dexter in Night at the Museum alongside Ben Stiller, pictured
These monkeys are forced to live in cramped, tiny cages where their minds and bodies slowly deteriorate simply because those seeking the much-coveted pet do not know how to properly look after them.
Animal Rights Groups believe there are thousands of the Capuchin monkeys being ill-treated and neglected as private owners struggle to deal with them.

'You have people who think it's cool to keep a monkey – so there's a certain amount of status involved in it,' said Brooke Aldrich, the campaign manager at Wild Futures, a primate sanctuary in Cornwall, England.
She added that most people who buy Capuchins do not understand what is involved in looking after them and don't even bother obtaining a license for them.
Since the success of the Night at the Museum and the Hangover II purchases of capuchin monkeys like Crystal have become more popular
Since the success of the Night at the Museum and the Hangover II purchases of capuchin monkeys like Crystal have become more popular
Stole the show: Crystal was a drug-dealing smoking monkey in The Hangover Part II
Stole the show: Crystal was a drug-dealing smoking monkey in The Hangover Part II
Megan Talbert, executive director of monkey training academy Helping Hands, said: 'Unfortunately in the U.S., many monkeys purchased as pets do not get the care and attention they deserve throughout their 30-to-40-year lifespan'
Megan Talbert, executive director of monkey training academy Helping Hands, said: 'Unfortunately in the U.S., many monkeys purchased as pets do not get the care and attention they deserve throughout their 30-to-40-year lifespan'
'There are very, very few people who keep monkeys who intend to do any harm,' she told The Independent.
'But if you don't know what a monkey needs, then you can do a whole lot of harm without realizing it.'
The 20-year-old monkey became a household name when she appeared as Dexter in Night At The Museum with Ben Stiller and Ricky Gervais.
But she was propelled into super Hollywood status after her role as a drug dealing monkey in The Hangover Part II - stealing the show of stars like Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis when she appeared at the premiere in a pink dress and pearls.
What many people do not realize is that Crystal lives with her handler and trainer Tom Gunderson and his family. Both Tom and his wife are professional animal trainers who have looked after Crystal since she was two-years-old.
Actress Kristen Bell poses with Crystal at the premier: the 20-year-old monkey has appeared in more than 20 movies and several TV shows
Actress Kristen Bell poses with Crystal at the Hangover II pemiere. Animal rights groups have said that individuals underestimate the cost and effort involved in keeping a capuchin as a pet
Famous admirers: Crystal (with trainer Tom Gunderson) kies self-described biggest fan Justin Bieber a kiss on the cheek
Famous admirers: Crystal (with trainer Tom Gunderson) kisses self-described biggest fan Justin Bieber a kiss on the cheek
When the so-called organ-grinder monkeys reach sexual maturity around five-years-old, they can turn dangerous and destructive. This is one of the reasons why wildlife officials adamantly oppose Capuchins as pets.
Megan Talbert, executive director of Boston-based service monkey training academy Helping Hands, said: 'Unfortunately in the U.S., many monkeys purchased as pets do not get the care and attention they deserve throughout their 30-to-40-year lifespan.'

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