Why Monkeys and Nonhuman Primates Are Unsuitable as Service Animals: Lessons from Chimp Crazy.
By: Deborah Dietz
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) thoughtfully excludes monkeys and other nonhuman primates from its definition of service animals. This decision, rooted in concerns about safety and public health, becomes even more evident when reflecting on the documentary Chimp Crazy. The captivating yet alarming stories in this documentary illustrate why the ADA’s restrictions are critical for protecting both individuals with disabilities and the general public.
Insights from Chimp Crazy
In Chimp Crazy, viewers are introduced to deep and unique bonds between humans and their chimpanzees. The owners, often women, treated the primates as family members—feeding them at the dinner table, dressing them in clothes, and even having “conversations” with them. These bonds were emotionally moving and showcased the intelligence and social capacity of primates.
However, the darker reality unfolded through harrowing examples of violent incidents. Despite the apparent trust and love shared, these animals would unpredictably lash out in ways that were fast, devastating, and often deadly. Such incidents revealed the stark truth: no matter how well-trained or bonded a primate may seem, their natural instincts and strength make them inherently unsafe in human-centered environments.
Unpredictable Behavior: A Shared Concern
The examples from Chimp Crazy align with one of the ADA’s core concerns about using monkeys as service animals: their unpredictable behavior. Unlike dogs, which have been selectively bred over thousands of years for temperament and trainability, primates retain their wild instincts. As shown in the documentary, even primates raised in human homes could revert to aggressive behaviors without warning, often with catastrophic results.
This unpredictability poses a significant risk not only to the individual handling the primate but also to others in public spaces. Service animals must function in dynamic environments, often assisting their handlers in potentially stressful or chaotic situations. The potential for a primate to react violently in such settings underscores why they are unsuitable for this role.
Disease Transmission: An Ongoing Risk
Another factor emphasized by the ADA and reinforced by primate ownership stories like those in Chimp Crazy is the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Primates, including chimpanzees, can carry diseases such as Herpes B virus, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, which can be transmitted to humans. These risks are heightened in close-contact scenarios like those depicted in the documentary, where primates were integrated into human households.
Lessons from the Documentary
The emotional connections highlighted in Chimp Crazy show the profound relationships humans can form with primates, but they also serve as cautionary tales. The moments of violence, unpredictability, and risk starkly contrast with the role of a service animal, which must be dependable and safe in all circumstances. The ADA’s definition of service animals—dogs, and in some cases, miniature horses—reflects a deliberate and informed choice to prioritize safety and functionality over emotional bonds or unconventional relationships.
Conclusion
Watching Chimp Crazy provided a vivid illustration of why our lawmakers excluded monkeys and other nonhuman primates from the ADA’s service animal definition. While these animals are undeniably intelligent and capable of forming deep connections with humans, their inherent risks outweigh their potential as service animals. Dogs and miniature horses, with their centuries of domestication and specialized training, remain the gold standard for providing reliable and safe assistance to individuals with disabilities.
Resources for More Information
Information about service animal regulations under the ADA, visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA website
The documentary Chimp Crazy, visit the HBO official website.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general knowledge and understanding only and is not intended to be, nor should it be considered, legal advice. Every situation is unique, and laws may vary depending on jurisdiction. If you require legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney who can address your specific legal needs. The content shared here is not a substitute for professional legal counsel and is meant solely for informational purposes.
