Looe-based primate welfare charity Wild Futures has hit out at international superstar Justin Bieber following reports that he bought a pet monkey.
The charity, which runs the Monkey Sanctuary in Looe, said the popstar's actions were irresponsible and is calling for the animal, a young caphcin monkey named Mally, to be rehomed in a sanctuary.
"Millions of young fans are watching Bieber's every move. We need to make a clear statement here that monkeys are not pets," said Brooke Aldrich, campaigns manager at Wild Futures.
The charity said the monkey, of which pictures have been posted on social media site Twitter alongside the popstar, is only a few months old and should not be separated from its mother.
The organisation, which campaigns to end the primate pet trade both in the UK and abroad, said capuchins are dependent on their mothers for years and maternal deprivation and social isolation are known to cause unacceptable suffering in pet primates
"It's time that the inherent cruelty of the primate pet trade is taken seriously in the EU and the rest of the world," Ms Aldrich said.
"I certainly hope that the authorities don't simply babysit this poor baby monkey for Mr Bieber, give him a light slap on the wrist and send them both on their way."
Director of the Captive Animals' Protection Society, Liz Tyson, said she was concerned that Bieber's actions would set a trend.
She said: "Primates are not pets and we are very concerned that this may trigger copycat purchases of exotic animals as fans try to emulate their hero.
"The media and celebrities are hugely influential and we sincerely hope that Justin Bieber will take this opportunity to do the right thing by Mally."
It is thought the monkey is being kept in quarantine in Germany because Mr Bieber did not have the appropriate documentation for it to be allowed into the country.
