They’re small, furry, seemingly harmless, and adorably human-like, but in the end, monkeys are NOT meant to be pets.

Unfortunately, the demand for monkeys and other primates for the exotic pet trade continues to increase. It has been estimated that approximately 15,000 primates are living under the roofs of United States citizens, and in the United Kingdom, about 9,000 monkeys are leading the lives of household pets. While some countries deem the ownership of non-human primates as legal, it is important to understand that, “legal,” doesn’t necessarily mean, “right.”

The problem with primate ownership is that people cannot provide their pets with sufficient care—especially when it comes to baby monkeys like Marley. With Jane Goodall Institute employee, Brittany Hilton, as his rescuer, Marley escaped the exotic pet trade.

Here he is snuggling with his new best buds!

While living amongst humans, Marley apparently gained an appetite for baby food.

He may have also tried to sneak some food from his feline friend, Ruby.

Marley finally got the hang of nomming on some more primate-friendly foods, like grapes!

Though Marley enjoyed the comfort of his friendly caretakers during his stay with Hilton, it was time for the baby monkey to return to the wild. Watch as Marley embarks on his journey from an orphaned house-pet to an independent monkey swinging from the trees of Tanzania–just the way he should be!

All image source: Daniel Hayduk/Blogspot