Animal welfare activists are calling for the rescue of a young macaque monkey named Boogie from a roadside zoo in Kincardine, Ontario. The monkey has been displaying troubling behavior such as spinning in circles, pacing back and forth, and self-biting. Animal Justice, a non-profit animal law organization, is urging authorities to seize Boogie and relocate him to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in Sunderland. Despite multiple legal complaints filed by Animal Justice, the monkey has not been removed from the zoo.
Georgia Mason, director of the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare at the University of Guelph, viewed videos of Boogie and identified his behaviors as classic abnormal behavior. She expressed concern over the monkey being kept alone in an enclosure, as primates are highly social animals. Mason highlighted the fact that Boogie has been alone for at least two years, which is not acceptable for his well-being.
Ontario lacks a provincial zoo licensing system, with weak and non-existent regulations for roadside zoos. Melissa Matlow, senior wildlife campaign director at World Animal Protection Canada, criticized the lack of regulations that allow exotic animals to be kept in substandard conditions in backyard zoos. Matlow called for the closure of Bervie Zoo where Boogie is currently housed, citing concerns about animal suffering in such facilities.
NDP MPP for St. Catharines, Jennie Stevens, wrote to the solicitor general advocating for animal welfare in captivity. She expressed concerns about the lack of meaningful animal welfare regulations in Ontario, allowing facilities like Bervie Zoo to operate under substandard conditions. Stevens emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable animals like Boogie and ensuring their well-being is a top priority.
The solicitor general’s office defended Ontario’s animal welfare regulations, stating that the government has implemented strong penalties and enforcement systems to protect animals. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act and the Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales (PUPS) Act were highlighted as examples of the government’s commitment to animal welfare in Ontario. Despite pressure from activists, Bervie Zoo did not provide a response to the situation involving Boogie.
Animal welfare advocates continue to push for the rescue and relocation of Boogie to a sanctuary that can provide him with proper care and socialization. The troubling behavior exhibited by the monkey highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the well-being of animals in captivity. Activists are calling for greater accountability and responsibility from authorities and institutions that house and care for exotic animals like Boogie.
