It turns out even monkeys can’t
resist a good bargain.
A North York Ikea store
attracted an unusual customer Sunday afternoon, when a tiny monkey dressed in a
fitted faux shearling coat and diapers appeared in the store’s upper parking
garage around 2 p.m.
“It was just running around
screaming,” said shopper Bronwyn Page. “There was a crowd of us around it and
it seemed really scared and agitated.”
Security guards at the Ikea, near Leslie St. and Highway 401, eventually cornered the animal in the elevator vestibule and called police. Animal Services soon arrived at the store to pick up the stylish bargain-hunter.
Security guards at the Ikea, near Leslie St. and Highway 401, eventually cornered the animal in the elevator vestibule and called police. Animal Services soon arrived at the store to pick up the stylish bargain-hunter.
“It was really cute,” said Lisa
Lin, another shopper. “It was smaller than a cat.”
But if the monkey had hoped to
stock up on Billy bookcases or Swedish meatballs, its plans were thwarted. The
diminutive shopper never made it into the store, said manager Alvaro Carmona.
No one was hurt in the
incident, which lasted no more than half an hour, he added.
Animal Services identified the
monkey as a rhesus macaque, an Asian species that is prohibited in Ontario. The
monkeys are known for their ability to live in diverse habitats — although
Canadian winters obviously require a warm coat.
The owner of the primate turned
himself in to Animal Services just after 5 p.m. He was charged with owning a
prohibited animal, an offence that carries a $200 fine.
The seven-month-old monkey
somehow managed to escape his owner’s car in the Ikea parking lot, said animal
control officer David Behan.
Behan said the owner was
cooperative in signing over the primate to Animal Services. The owner’s name
has not been released.
As for the half-metre tall
simian, he is in good health and will likely be transferred to a sanctuary as
soon as possible.
“The monkey was in a bit of
shock, but it’s calmed down now that we’ve been feeding it some grapes,” another
animal services representative said.
“At least it’s warm and safe
now ... It tried to keep warm in the coat the best that an animal of its size
could.”
MEMES
#IkeaMonkey meme goes viral
1.
"Animal Services identified the monkey
as a rhesus macaque, an Asian species that is prohibited in Ontario. The
monkeys are known for their ability to live in diverse habitats — although
Canadian winters obviously require a warm coat.
"The
owner of the primate turned himself in to Animal Services just after 5 p.m. He
was charged with owning a prohibited animal, an offence that carries a $200
fine."
Well-dressed monkey follows up IKEA trip
with visit to top of Toronto landmark. http://pic.twitter.com/xaoK0LKC
1.
We're all going to feel really
horrible when they determine it's just a really ugly toddler. #ikeamonkey
1.
If Ikea has any business sense at
all, it'll be rushing sheepskin coat-wearing toy monkeys to its outlets by
Christmas. #Ikeamonkey
New image of #ikeamonkey. I knew I
recognized him from somewhere. http://twitpic.com/bkls2s
1.
#IkeaMonkey He
broke out of his cage and into our hearts huff.to/SYSK3j
The Ikea monkey makes it down to City Hall...
Well-dressed monkey does an important job
at City Hall. http://pic.twitter.com/MXkf9hgZ
IKEA monkey for mayor!
The mayor meets the Ikea monkey #TOpoli #IKEAmonkey
http://pic.twitter.com/buqt7ioX
1.
The #IkeaMonkey has
a nicer winter coat than I do.
Hey @IkeaMonkey why not ditch that
shearling coat for something a bit more hip from #KensingtonMarket? #ikeamonkey
http://twitpic.com/bkrual
Where all the monkeys get their swag --
@HoltRenfrew #IKEAmonkey http://pic.twitter.com/FUlzRyna
The best. #ikeamonkey @ikeamonkey
1.
"Haven't you always wanted a
monkey?" and "But not a real shearling, that's
cruel."#whenlifeimitatesbarenakedladieslyrics#ikeamonkey
Celebrities get into the mix
Take care, @ikeamonkey
http://pic.twitter.com/tm5gTiFB
1.
Ikea. Swedish for:
monkey-in-tiny-coat.#ikeamonkey#newtagline
1.
Who wore it best?
Who wore it better?
http://twitpic.com/bko8sr #IkeaMonkey
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