The monkey, named Petrushka, had long been used as a live prop for "cute" photos in Odessa's Arcadia. A local veterinarian couple—Leonid and Valentina Stoyanov—rescued the animal. The little one had previously suffered systematic abuse and is now forced to learn how to be a monkey—to eat food typical of the species and take care of herself.
This was reported by Radio Liberty.
The animal was treated with extreme cruelty. To make Petrushka more obedient, she was “trained” in a rather specific way—by burning her hands and feet. As a result, she has burns on her limbs. According to the veterinarians, this was done to prevent the animal from grabbing people and objects.
The little one suffered additional harm from constantly wearing diapers, which dug into her skin. Over two years, the animal developed wounds and chafing.
Lack of identity
Petrushka is traumatized not only physically. The little monkey does not realize who she is—she lacks the skills, habits, and food preferences typical of her species.
“Our main goal is to make her think she is a monkey, because she doesn’t understand who she is. She doesn’t even know what grooming is. We show her, ‘you can do this, you can eat this,’ and she is beginning to understand,” said veterinarian Valentyna Stoyanova.
This species of monkey, in particular, enjoys plant-based food – tree bark, grass, and flowers. Petrushka knows nothing about this, so her rescuers are teaching her how to select her own diet from scratch.
EcoPolitic reported that in Ukraine, draft law No. 11328 is being prepared for a second reading, which aims to strengthen the protection of domestic animals. The draft law, in particular, will prohibit ear and tail docking, restrict commercial use of animals, and ban interference with the feeding of stray dogs and cats.
