Pet monkeys 'replace kids' - Online pet insurance quote

Posted : 08-05-2008

Parents whose children have flown the nest are filling the void with pet monkeys and using them as baby substitutes, it has been reported.

The latest fad is for mothers to buy a monkey, or a 'monkid', for them to care for as the monkeys always remain cute and baby-like, according to the Metro.

Lori Johnson, a US housewife, bought Jessy the capuchin monkey 18 years ago after her youngest child left home.

She told: "I felt a bit lost and wanted someone to look after. A vet suggested if I wanted a child for life, I should think about a primate."

Mrs Johnson added that her children were "a bit jealous" at first and accused their mother of looking after Jessy better than them.

The monkey, which has swapped a jungle for a Florida home, could reach the age of 60, which makes the housewife worried that it will outlive her.

Capuchin monkeys eat a range of fruits, seeds and insects, and enjoy snuggling and taking afternoon naps, according to gotpetsonline.com.

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