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http://www.delawareonline.com/updates/Wilmingtonlawba.html

Wilmington law bars chimp acts on Riverfront

By By CANDICE FERRETTE
Staff Reporter
8/11/2004

Monkey business has turned into serious business in Wilmington. 

A Maryland-based animal caretaker – who oversees a company of costumed 
chimpanzees – was
negotiating a lease last week for performance space on the Wilmington 
Riverfront.
However, the company is up against a city restriction on wild animals. 

The public exhibition of wild animals other than in zoos, circuses or 
educational
institutions is prohibited in Wilmington and may not be licensed under city 
law,
according to a statement issued Tuesday by Mayor James Baker’s office. 
Violators of the
city code could face up to $5,000 in fines. 

“While we are generally supportive of interesting and entertaining events and 
venues to
make the Riverfront and all of Wilmington more attractive to our own 
residents and
visitors alike, I do not feel this type of exhibit is appropriate from a 
health and
safety standpoint,” Baker said in the statement. 

Judie Harrison, owner and operator of Monkey Business – which oversees 
performances by
two chimpanzees, Mikey, 2, and Louie, 10 months – said she has applied to the 
state
Department of Agriculture to classify her business as a zoo. 

Until such a classification has been made, Monkey Business will not perform 
on the
Wilmington Riverfront. 

“I feel very sad for the people and children in all communities that will not 
be able to
experience this wonderful educational and lifetime opportunity,” Harrison 
said. 

See complete coverage in Thursday’s News Journal and at delawareonline.com.
Reach Candice Ferrette at cferrette AT delawareonline.com. 

Posted 1:56 PM