Jim and Donita Clark have owned four capuchin monkeys for 10
years, rearing them and allowing them a meaningful place in
their family. But after the high-profile case of exotic animals
escaping from an Ohio residence in 2011, wildlife agents in many
states, like their home state Louisiana, have been cracking down
on the ownership of exotic animals, The Associated Press The
Clarks had to flee Louisiana and are now living in a motor home
somewhere in Texas. They fled before authorities showed up to
their house for an inspection. At least six states have banned
the ownership of exotic animals altogether since 2005, and
Congress has discussed tighter federal regulations in order to
protect humans and wildlife. Owners like the Clarks feel
attacked for doing nothing wrong and raising the monkeys in a
healthy environment, but veterinarians and primate experts agree
that monkeys, like all wild animals , should not be kept as
pets. "They are not animated toys. They're so intelligent
they're difficult to keep in a stim