Helping Hands: Matching Capuchins with Those in Need

After leaving a psychology class during her first semester at Boston University, Jennifer Dowdy stumbled across an ad for a work-study internship with the nonprofit organization Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled. I was never cut out for a desk job, and I love animals, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity, says Dowdy (CAS06).
Seven years later, her instincts have proven right. As a placement trainer for Helping Hands, she trains capuchin monkeys to acquire practical and social skills through a program called Monkey College.
Scratching an itch. Retrieving a remote control. Turning the page of a favorite novel. For most, these tasks are routine. But for people with spinal cord injuries they can be impossible. Helping Hands monkeys master these tasks and help their recipients gain a sense of independence.
Capuchin monkeys are well-suited for the challenge. Theyre intelligent and seem to enjoy performing simple tasks. At six to eight pounds theyre small enough to fit comfortably in most living spaces, and they live up to 40 years. They adapt well, transitioning from Helping Hands to the homes of recipients from as far away as San Diego.
In addition to training capuchins, Dowdy does outreach. With a Helping Hands monkey by her side, she visits schools and camps to educate about spinal cord injury prevention. For the past three years, she has returned to Boston University to discuss her work at the First Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP), a program that enables incoming freshmen to arrive on campus early, choose and learn about an issue, and spend three days volunteering throughout greater Boston.
The human-animal bond is tremendous, and difficult to quantify, says Dowdy. Our recipients appreciate the monkeys help with tasks to regain a sense of independence, but beyond that, they cite companionship as the biggest impact on their lives.
Throughout training and placement, Helping Hands makes sure their monkeys are treated ethically. They eat a strict diet, and veterinarians on staff monitor their physical health, says Dowdy. We also ensure their emotional well-being by providing enrichment activities and making training fun.
Helping Hands relies on foundation grants and contributions from individual donors and is committed to funding each monkeys breeding, training, health care, and food for a lifetime. On average, that amounts to $38,000 per monkey. Recipients receive the monkeys for free.
Helping Hands will celebrate 30 years of service on October 24; the first monkey helper, named Hellion, was placed with Robert Foster, a high-level cervical spinal cord injury recipient, in Boston on October 24, 1979. In honor of this milestone, Helping Hands will host an event at WGBH Studios, debuting a documentary film about the impact monkey helpers have on recipients lives. Filmmakers Cary Wolinsky (COM69) and Yari Wolinsky of Trillium Studios, along with recipients featured in the film, will be at the celebration. Local restaurants have donated food, including Columbus Restaurant Group, known for Mistral, Sorellina, and Teatro. Grey Goose Vodka has donated cocktails, and Harpoon has donated beer and there will be a selection of wine.
The Helping Hands 30th anniversary event is on Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at WGBH Studios, One Guest St., Brighton. Tickets are $125 and include food and drinks. To purchase a ticket, visit Helping Hands. To volunteer at the event, e-mail Noelle Lafasciano or call 617-787-4419, ext. 105.
For more Boston University news and videos, check out today.bu.edu

[@keepitREALalways2181]

That's so awesome!! I'm so glad there are people like you guys to recognize how helpful these beautiful babies are

[@obsidiansea]

On one of the episodes of the Betty in the Sky podcast, she told a story about a service monkey for a blind man. The flight attendant was handing out peanuts, and he said, "Oh, give them to my service monkey." So, the flight attendant did, and the service monkey licked the salt off of each peanut before handing it to the man. The flight attendant was wondering if she should tell the man or just stay out of it. :-)

[@ATomRileyA]

That is a great story made me smile, cheeky monkeys.

[@Splashstar216]

This is amazing!!!! And to the ones saying they're abused and get teeth taken out, so do humans. It's not like the teeth are yanked out! & Ofc they're castrated! Same thing as service dogs. And their fingers are left intact, or else how would they be able to perform activities such as open and close doors etc?!???? My God some of you are slow. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@wilburmcbride8096]

My cousin is handicapped and they took her teeth out because she would go up and bite strangers. It makes perfect sense to do this if it's a health risk. I think it's wonderful that they can use these monkeys to better someone's life. These animal fanatics will complain no matter what you do.

[@obsidiansea]

There's two points of view here and both have valid points. You don't have to be so self-righteous and close-minded.

[@missryanswers]

Thank you Therapy Animal Trainers and Therapy Animals around the World!!!

[@elizabethsmith9608]

I'm dead inside and never smile but this is so cute I couldn't resist

[@catfish5272]

I’m sorry you’re not original in the least way

[@pacepoetic]

hope you're smiling now

[@cmills53]

How wonderful! I love Capuchins!

[@charlottekellum2804]

This is so awesome! They are so smart!

[@trickolas78]

Not really. They have to wear diapers

[@GunitaSingh]

beautiful!

[@RICHIE_RICH89]

Id love one to adopt or buy just to spend much of my time with.

[@Mithridatesquantumtox]

Wonder if they could be utilized for military use.

[@telengardforever7783]

That monkey trainer is a super model

[@ceciliac3261]

What about bathroom habbits for the monkey? Who cleans that mess?

[@Adaliab16]

LOVE IT!!

[@Nate0514]

Where do you think any house pet comes from? ALL animals come from the wild, just some are domesticated for years and years to where they aren't "wild" anymore. That's just common sense.

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

Who changes her diaper 5-6 times a day?

[@7531monkey]

They teach the monkeys to eat their own excrement. Just didnt show that part.

[@jeffxl12]

I am a C4-C5 quad. I had a chance to get one of these years ago but chose a help dog instead. Now that I have pets I couldn't get one.

[@breAnnasmama]

jeffxl12 good. You’re better off and not subjecting a non domesticated / wild animal to confined of captivity and abuse. You’re way better off without doing this mess.

[@robbinotten8971]

I love it I am DISABLED can i get HELP i had 3 back surgerys

[@mimim.2175]

This is incredible to watch!

[@brotherlonewolf4182]

Where can I get a capuchin monkey to change light bulbs on the ceiling for me? I have severe lower joint damage and can no longer climb a ladder.

[@truelycooke2759]

I ❤ this!

[@snottyxraygirl]

This is a great advancement,perfect for patients with M.D.,cerebral palsy,etc., they are so cute,too!

[@Mountchoirboy]

I love these wee little guys.

[@Leyla7292]

BRAVO!!! So amazing & good iniativ, capuchin are so intelligent :) And they are also very cute!!

[@breAnnasmama]

Raheleh Leyla yeah ... you’d think so .. or think only in those terms .. but please read my comment within this post if you get time and don’t mind , just to have some insight further into it beyond the side of a human seeing things from human perspective alone. They may have cute factor to some people but theees something to be said of what’s being done to them and what they’re subjected to and how it affects them and alters their lives when forced into captivity and a life either as a pet or serving humans. It’s wrong. My comment is not too many above this one if you’ll give it a read :)

[@hope5360]

@@breAnnasmama , I feel more sorry for much larger number of humans who have a lousy lot in life and are intelligent enough to know the other options they're missing out on.

[@Trund27]

oh that is so lovely

[@GonG108]

well done they are very smart and able to learn , i love these little Buddies

[@jltuttle1667]

very cool!

[@trickolas78]

How much for one of these assistance monkeys?

[@HappyQuailsFarm]

Sorry for my typo of the name Capuchin.

[@olwineucedaperez6977]

He do be vibing tho

[@LindsayLavender]

I never thought of anything like this! This is such a fantastic idea!!!!

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

Everyone saying it's abuse removing their canines, have your wisdom teeth been pulled? Have you been irretrievably traumatized by the experience? I'm willing to bet the guys are just fine. They suffer more at the hands of traffickers, which is where these guys are rescued from. so sick people can't saw their head open to eat their brains while they are alive. And yes people do that amongst other much more cruel things like research in Chinese labs. All in all these monkeys have a pretty soft life in a climate controlled home.

[@MrWoody747]

I want this monkey they look so cool an intelligent an cute getting ti play with one every day an it bonding with you is amazing

[@solarisone1082]

Your grammar and spelling are worse, Brian.

[@breAnnasmama]

ECOMHICKS omg it’s horrible lol. There are so many idiots on here , with no clue what’s being done to these animals or how wrong it is for them to even be in captivity ! I don’t expect any of them to actually understand , beyond their selfish mindsets ! ( and yeah , omg ! The Run on sentences were horribly annoying to read , lol )

[@trickolas78]

Does the monkey change its own diaper?

[@mimim.2175]

Cite your resources for where you found this information. Don't post extremist views unless you have the proof to back them up.

[@furstylist]

Considering they are exterminated as pests in their native countries, I think it's nice that they adapt so well to living with humans! Looks like they spend their entire day with constant mental stimulation (essentially doing positive reinforcement tricks), affection, and treats.

[@MsVoolfy]

This is just wonderful. Teeth should not be removed...that is ABUSE.

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

Tell that to your dentist when he asks for $1200 to pull wisdom teeth.

[@monkyshhy]

I have a capuchin monky and mine bites alot do you know how to make him like to take a bath

[@waitaminute2015]

Do you still have your monkey?

[@DG123z]

Why does it have it's tongue out at the end?

[@EnjOyftw]

omg this is so beautiful:D

[@HappyQuailsFarm]

Payment through SSI Disability Services of that exorbitant fee is completely glossed over, especially considering how those who perform the hands-on task of training are young interns, whose expectations for payment are also lowered through the use of this claim of being free. Second, it is well known that the personalities of Copuchins can change severely for the worse with age. Think of having a middle age crisis without insight or treatment for what is happening to them from hormonal changes.

[@kathleenhartnellharper7234]

No , I’m wrong , Helping Hands continues to send out Capuchins to assist disabled humans. ,but they are taken away from their mothers at 6 to 10 weeks. A monkey that lives in a human home is a deprived monkey.

[@Josh-iq1qu]

So who looks after the monkey once they're placed?? If these people can't do certain tasks how are they going to care for a monkey??? The thought is some what cute but I think it's wrong as well. I don't think they should be used to care or look after humans.

[@hope5360]

Must be arranged for...

[@CC-gd4ty]

Wonderful idea!!!!! Great!

[@Pmisss]

soo cute

[@PoisonCloudBR]

1:25 is Divine!

[@lopside0]

Thanks for the info!~ I'd still be really worried having a monkey in my house, cause when they rise up and overthrow their human taskmasters, what then? I don't wanna bow down to a monkey overlord, no sir. Something to think about.

[@nyaboke242]

Who changes the monkeys diaper. These type of monkeys would have to be very docile to do any service work for someone with a disability. Are you kidding me!

[@esty-arnold5124]

Some animal rights people were upset about this year's ago.. I couldn't understand why.. Now I do! Service dogs don't have their teeth removed.. And they are not taken from their mothers before weaned like monkeys are. Now I see what a sick business this monkey breeding trade is!

[@321scully]

@@esty-arnold5124 Human beings have always used animals for their own benefit, food and lothing for a start. However animals use animals too for food etc. It's called life on Planet Earth and much of it is not pretty.

[@wilburmcbride8096]

@@321scully I would rather the monkey work for the disabled than dancing on the streets for their handlers. No matter what you do the animal rights people will complain. Sometimes I wonder do they care about people at all. It's all about the animals.

[@321scully]

@@wilburmcbride8096 This world we live in is very cruel and can be very tough for many - animals and humans. Whatever we do - in the eyes of many- will be subject to criticism and scrutiny. It is easy to forget that humans - depending on circumstances - have tough lives too and we all need to find ways to cope with life on Planet Earth. Regarding these monkeys you could say they have a job and security for life - something many humans do not have.

[@orvil9223]

Do you guys yank their teeth out of their heads onsite? Or, do you have a vet do it?

[@vckrscindy]

Do you have their teeth removed?

[@breAnnasmama]

Cindy Vickers yes they do. I’ll go ahead and answer for them. And please research what really happens and goes on in all the so-called “ training “... and what they’re subjected to in the life of captivity. Let that be the guide bc obv. These people don’t talk about that side of things.

[@321scully]

Yes, all these service monkeys have their teeth removed for the safety of the person they are serving.

[@sethhorst6158]

If you think about it, monkeys might take over once humanity goes extinct.

[@stephen-wk9wh]

I want a monkey

[@Magiktcup]

Ill take 5

[@alexarias4099]

Pray for Mojo

[@HappyQuailsFarm]

For the same reasons why many don't have their natural hormones and urges through castration and some don't have fingertips after removal to prevent them from escape from locked cages. While the last example is a true one, it is admittedly an extreme example of treatment they have experienced in captivity, while aptly illustrating the way they are regarded by people as existing entirely on our terms, for our sake but not their own. Biting is a natural expression and normally exists at maturity.

[@kathleenhartnellharper7234]

I think the use of monkey helpers has been discontinued d/t issues of disease, using unpredictable, wild animals, etc. when Capuchins hit puberty they often assert themselves, and show aggressive behaviors such as biting.

[@colourdeyes]

0:16 Scary.

[@AB-vv7fl]

Taking a bath is scary? LOL

[@watchensee]

And they each have their own little hair dues. {:D So cute!

[@swanofusk9314]

They are sticking their tongues out because their teeth have been removed.

[@Kirakirakira_sulfur]

Time to snap my back

[@kimstephens7853]

Diaper?

[@feroferyal6639]

😘❤️🐒🤗

[@PrestonDowMusic]

HOW DO I GET THAT JOB

[@wcmusic91]

@BlueGama600 No sir you are not. I didn't do anything 4th of July-y today, it was a normal day, and on a normal day I read Cracked.

[@kapuzinergruft]

Over here in Germany you couldnt do such things. First of all monkeys are considered dangerous from a certain size on, second... a flat is not their natural habitat, and for being social anmials they need their fellow monkey company otherwise they get psychologically deprived.

[@abseconPC]

I don't think they can classify as Ada service animals I think that's only a dog

[@shelbourneking3183]

I don't like the idea of mutilating them by taking out there teeth.

[@Beanmachine91]

i would teach it how to fling shit at people... !!!!!!!

[@nessieas]

I'm a bit surprised that the trainer smiles with her teeth bared to the monkey (the scratch scene). This is a threatening face in monkey behaviour and should be avoided for safety reasons

[@nicoled.9491]

Maybe they specifically train them not to see it as a fret, like maybe they start when they're babies smiling while giving them a bottle and other positive things.

[@effyleven]

Wow! (errr... no, I mean double Wow. One is not enough.)

[@teestjulian]

I need one.

[@ThePattymcdonald]

See my Discussion Board Post for how I would utilize this in a lesson...

[@breAnnasmama]

Patricia McDonald where is it ? Be more clear about that. And at least discuss a few points worth being noted, please ...

[@exe1908]

We are learning this in school right now in 5th grade tho I already know

[@breAnnasmama]

Luckyandstud YT ok 🙄why don’t you do some real research and find out what really happens and the abuse they endure in captivity. One thing you need to know about what you learn in School is that you’re only mostly going to be given one side of things , by way of propaganda to support that one view. Don’t trust everything you “ learn “ in school ... find out via actual research on your own. Not just regarding this topic , but many things you’ll come across in your lifetime. Just a word of wisdom , to make the truth known ...

[@missdolittle]

Keep your hands off wildlife! I don't care if it helps humans, so do cats and dogs. There is no need to do this to these animals, none whatsoever!

[@kristenwhite2701]

I don’t care if it helps humans is definitely coming from a healthy person. I’m in a wheelchair and if I thought it could truly help would get one. My needs are different. If I could walk a dog I would go with Canine Companions. A cat definitely can’t help. Make life harder having to deal with litter boxes. Try cleaning one with hands that don’t work. Live as a person in need of assistance before judging.

[@missdolittle]

@@kristenwhite2701 You assume very wrong when it comes to "coming from a healthy person". I do however see your point.

[@kristenwhite2701]

@@missdolittle Sorry for the assumption. Maybe you do need assistance. I have my parents, but they’re in their 80s so can’t help forever. Will need another human helper. Monkeys probably can’t type for me.

[@michelledefrank4184]

Too bad other humans in need of jobs couldn't just replace the monkeys. I may just be biased though, as I really don't think we should be keeping monkeys as pets, or home health care staff. I get it that they're intelligent or cute, etc, but they're animals, not humans no matter how closely they might resemble & or mimick us. Oh well, they mean well.

[@obsidiansea]

I agree. I don't think they should be kept as pets or used as staff.

[@xxqueenrobloxxx1713]

That was very 💓 breaking 😪😪 the Monkey was crying so loud

[@gondwanaland3238]

They only show the sanitised version, their training is shocking. teeth out too. Barbaric.

[@breAnnasmama]

Noel Faber exactly. Thank you!!! Omg people have no idea the horrible abuse they’re subjected to. It’s sick.

[@Iisdabest889]

They don't remove their teeth, what are you on about? This is perfectly humane.

[@StuporGirl]

I guess it's customary to mutilate by removing their teeth?

[@jashar3322]

they are removed through surgery probably with anesthesia that doesnt make it better just makes me feel better that it doesn't hurt them

[@HmTastySoup]

I would 'capuchin her monkey' if you catch my drift ;) ... I'm really bad with puns.

[@CherokeeMedic918]

Where the PETA MoFo's at??? I want to hear y'all opinion on the abuse and exploitation going on here... 🤣🤣🤣

[@TB-vb1st]

No wonder our society is doomed, so many gullible folks that do not do any bit of research whatsoever before making 'clever' remarks. Helping Hands has been implicated in abusive training methods for its capuchin monkeys. Previous employees have stated that electric shock was used to condition the monkeys, the strength of the shock was equivalent to that of cattle prods. Capuchins that understandably acted aggressively towards staff and bit them had their teeth removed. Capuchin monkeys and all primates are highly social animals and when they are forced to live isolated and treated terribly, they will understandably react back violently. There was a LOT of abuse going on at Helping Hands, so much so that the controversy forced a name change and today it is known as Envisioning Access. This company continues to not be fully transparent in its current methods and appears to be focusing more on emerging robotics technology to assist handicapped people. There's nothing capuchins can do that robotics can't do and more humanely. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not endorse monkeys as service animals whatsoever. Try again. www.all-creatures.org/articles/ar-monkey-helping-hands.html www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/08/is-it-cruel-to-have-a-monkey-helper/493970/

[@AshleighJoubert]

I agree, but if done in a safe way, for example by a vet, then I dont see the problem. They're not in the wild any longer, thus, why do they need their canines?

[@dr.donnawalter4380]

Kristi Joubert - like declawing a cat who never goes outdoors in order to save the furniture because a cat will use it to sharpen their claws on if not declawed or given a special type of indoor 'tree' upon which to do that on.

[@breAnnasmama]

Why do you need yours ? What a dumb assessment for you to make. Are you really that ridiculous? Do some Research on the abuse those animals endure. They’re ALL technically wild , regardless of being forced into captivity. Look up the word domesticated and try and understand that these animals are NOT domesticated and never will be. Then perhaps , you may change your view on the subject and many more aspects ! Wow .. no offense honestly , but it’s just absurd and such an ignorant comment or argument to try to justify on your behalf.

[@breAnnasmama]

Dr. donna Walter declawing a cat is cruel and horribly painful and you could’ve included that ... seems more like you’re trying to justify that as well ! Wow ... so much selfish ignorance among people in the comments ! You of all people ( if you’re in fact , a doctor ... ) should be fully aware of the horribly adverse / negative impacts those things would have on these animals , just to suit selfish humans. Wow ! So disappointing to read that crap.

[@ScottieCee70]

Nice. They remove their teeth so they can be human slaves.

[@Splashstar216]

No they don't lmfao

[@SamanthaFoyjuiceboxer86]

in school I am loning that

[@DEANNADOG1keeshound]

Samantha Foy hahaha stay in school and lear to spell...

[@breAnnasmama]

Poor animals ... having to be forced into captivity and not given a true life they deserve ... breaks my heart ! People keep trying to humanize these animals and domesticate them but they’re not domesticated animals! Just makes me sad. So many people are contributing to poaching and the trade and selling of wild caught animals whose mothers were killed just to obtain them and bc of the status symbol or trendiness among celebrities or people at random , more and more people are trying to acquire these wild animals and take them on as pets. Keep in mind. Capuchin monkeys used as service animals are “trained “ for about 12 years and only then do they provide limited “service “, working for people for about 2-4 years, before being dumped at a wild life sanctuary to die ... which is better than their wild caught or sold for pets counterparts , as those monkeys or apes end up being discarded as soon as they hit maturity , sexually. People abandon them or they circulate from person to person to home to home , to cage to cage , until being killed or being dumped into the wild life refugee / sanctuaries and are often so badly psychologically damaged and emotionally unstable , that they can’t truly survive among even the most socialized of their own kind. It’s a complete DISSERVICE by humans to subject non domesticated animals to being pets , captive , service animals or therapy companions for the emotionally unstable among humans ... it’s just no true life of happiness for any of them. Monkeys / apes both are subjected to torturous means by their captors ... they are forced into having teeth removed , nails removed and often are neutered with no impact or different effect in behavior, as once they mature their wild instincts will come through , as they become incredibly strong , increasingly aggressive and dangerous to be around humans. They carry diseases known to cross species barriers and be extremely fatal for humans .. all monkeys / apes bite and can transmit diseases such as herpes b virus , which is devastating to humans , although the animals can carry this disease with no side effects or noticeable symptoms. You see so many people online or around the world trying to take these animals on as pets and essentially , anytime someone does own one , they’re taking from it it’s spirit , it’s natural ways , it’s life .. they lack proper nutrition and are often subjected to metabolic conditions , diabetes, heart conditions and damage to organs where they don’t quite process nutrients in the same way as humans , despite similarities in biological / anatomical makeup . Whether to some degree , these animals can seemingly function among humans makes no good argument in defending their being happy or copacetic in a forced human environment. Any of the monkeys you see on tv and even in most households , service or pet - are being in some way deprived , depressed , abused , malnourished, fractive and suffer from deep psychological issues , as they’re very very social animals requiring constant attention and contact for the first 6 years or so of their lives , bonding among their own groups ( troops) and requiring close connection and bonding and contact that they get from their mother instantly at birth and continuing into adolescence . Humans can not and do not have the ability to provide or mimic or replace that. They exhibit so many deeply bothered conditions, mentally and emotionally by just being subjected to the world of humans. How could anything that’s required to be caged and confined separate from contact and freedom and the life it deserves and instinctively innately desires and requires be happy in a world where they’re only exploited and used and manipulated and mistreated , to serve humans in whatever way ? They can’t ! While the patients may agree that their lives and the monkeys lives have balance or peace and joy , that is a very selfish opinion and mindset or observation on behalf of humans who don’t have a clue even how To read other human beings social cues and recognize any non verbals or body language , as most are oblivious and lack the ability to pick up on. So how can they be the ones who’s voices are heard , to indicate what’s best for these wild animals or the state of mind that these animals have , while being confined and caged and forced into training and carrying out whichever tasks that they Mimic from human behaviors ? It’s unfair and it’s honestly sick. They’re slaves. They do not snd can not make formidable pets no matter what the dynamic, just as it would be preposterous for a human to allow their own offspring / children to be taken and raised by and forced into a lifestyle of monkeys by monkeys. It would be asinine to even fathom the possibility of THAT being ok , in the slightest and it has nothing to do with the intelligence level of humans versus monkeys ... it has everything to do with ethics and what’s appropriate or what’s freaking wrong and everyone knows it but they’re too selfish to consider that bc they only want what applies to and benefits them.

[@kokoyhawaii]

Tldr. Chill out. So with your logic nobody should own any type of pet. Ridiculous. Humans > animals, sorry.

[@obsidiansea]

You make some good points.

[@rhoener2580]

This is a rip off site, and connected with this is a monkey breeder named Ryan smith, he try’s to get people to send deposits through means of wire, I own several monkeys and if it isn’t 5000-7000$ it’s a false or ripoff site

[@nonyabusi1132]

Morally wrong to have a non human primate in captivity. People need to be trained to assist those in need. Also people in need can be trained - it's called physical therapy and occupational therapy. Voice commands for lights etc. This man appears to have good use of his hands. He needs help to do these things himself. It's called adaptation and everything the monkey did he can do himself in this video........

[@dr.donnawalter4380]

Nonya Busi - it is clear you are not in the 'helping' profession although you speak as if you know everything about all of these things. According to you it is morally wrong to have a non-human primate in captivity - that implies it is alright to have a human in captivity. Was your comment meant to read like that?

[@shoot4thstars]

Nonya Busi physical therapy and occupational therapy do not get you back your limbs or other parts of your body that have been ravaged by disease. Don't know what kind of experience you speak from. I have first hand experience of this course. I wish people wouldn't talk about things they don't have any knowledge of. And then there's the multiple problems of getting the funding for therapists and expensive human help. Do you have a captive pet dog by any chance?

[@obsidiansea]

I agree. It's very upsetting to see orangutans, chimpanzees, and other great apes in zoos. They are very intelligent and know they are in captivity. I also think elephants and other animals with very high intelligence who require large areas of land for their habitat or extended social groups should not be in zoos or in captivity.

[@admsghs27]

They are peoples Best friend. Not Dogs.

[@heysolley]

PRAY...FOR...MOJO.

[@Imyodaddy]

I bet they make good drinking buddies.

[@GunitaSingh]

beautiful!

[@ScottieCee70]

Nice. They remove their teeth so they can be human slaves.