The #1 source for news about monkeys and apes

[Carrie McLaren <carrie AT stayfreemagazine.org>]

The Associated Press State & Local Wire

March 28, 2002, Thursday, BC cycle

HEADLINE: Family files lawsuit to regain custody of monkey seized by state

DATELINE: HARRISON TOWNSHIP, N.J.

The owners of a Capuchin monkey seized by the state have filed a 
lawsuit to regain custody of the animal.

The Stipp family of Mullica Hill claims in their suit filed this week 
that the 11-year-old monkey, known as "Curious George," has been 
emotionally scarred since being separated from the family in February.

Debra Stipp, who said the monkey "thinks I'm his mother," expressed 
concern that the animal was traumatized by the seizure and could 
suffer a heart attack. She said the monkey was extremely upset and 
screaming when authorities took him away in a crate. "The state seems 
to feel that Capuchins are dangerous," Stipp told the Courier-Post of 
Cherry Hill for Thursday's editions. George was 10-days-old when 
Stipp bought him from a breeder in Pennsylvania.

New Jersey requires the owners of exotic animals, such as George, to 
obtain a pet or exhibitor's permit. Stipp never had a license for 
George, who was seized at the family's Gloucester County home on Feb. 
16 by the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Stipp, who has since applied for a permit, said her family is seeking 
custody of George or guaranteed visitation while the application is 
processed.

Officials said the monkey could injure someone or may be carrying a 
dangerous disease that could be passed to humans. The Stipp family's 
lawyer, Samuel H. Bullock, disputes those claims, saying George is a 
harmless, domesticated pet.

George is now in the custody of Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township. 
John Bergmann, general manager of the animal rescue facility in Ocean 
County, said the monkey has "adjusted here fine and made some new 
friends."