3 Petitions, 65K Signatures: The Fight to Free Kansas' Monkey

The Fight for Frankie’s Freedom Gains Momentum

For over 18 years, a capuchin monkey named Frankie has been living inside a Pet Stop store in Shawnee, Kansas. Unlike typical pets, Frankie is not for sale but serves as an attraction for customers. This arrangement has sparked significant controversy among animal rights advocates who believe that Frankie's quality of life is severely compromised.

The Animal Advocates Coalition of Kansas City first raised concerns about Frankie’s situation in 2015. On April 5 of that year, they launched a petition titled “Release Frankie to a Sanctuary” on Change.org. The petition highlighted the social and intellectual needs of capuchin monkeys, which are known to live in complex groups and require both mental and physical stimulation. Frankie, however, has been kept alone in a cage, leading to calls for his relocation to a sanctuary.

Several organizations were suggested as potential homes for Frankie, including the Performing Animal Welfare Society, Jungle Friends Rescue, and the Primate Rescue Center. Despite efforts, the initial petition only managed to collect 1,585 signatures before it was no longer active.

New Efforts to Secure Frankie’s Release

In December 2023, another campaign emerged with the support of In Defense of Animals (IDA). Their petition, titled “Free Frankie the Monkey from a Kansas Pet Store Cage & Send Him to Sanctuary,” aimed to raise awareness about the emotional and psychological impact of isolation on social primates. The campaign provided detailed steps for supporters to take action, including using email templates to contact Pet Stop directly.

IDA also pointed out potential legal issues surrounding Frankie’s treatment. They suggested that keeping a primate in prolonged isolation could violate USDA regulations regarding proper housing for social animals. Individuals concerned about these violations can file a complaint with the USDA through their Animal Care Complaint Line or by submitting a report online.

The IDA petition has already gathered more than 13,000 signatures. Supporters argue that there are nearby accredited sanctuaries equipped to provide Frankie with a naturalistic environment where he can interact with other capuchins and receive appropriate care. Those interested in supporting the cause can sign the petition at idausa.org.

PETA Joins the Call for Action

PETA, one of the most well-known animal rights organizations, has also joined the movement to free Frankie. Their petition, “Urge Pet Stop to Send Frankie the Capuchin to an Accredited Sanctuary,” emphasizes the ethical concerns of keeping a socially intelligent animal in isolation for commercial purposes.

PETA argues that confining Frankie in a store denies him the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors and form social bonds. They advocate for his relocation to a sanctuary where he can live in a more suitable environment, receive veterinary care, and interact with other capuchins.

With over 52,000 signatures, the PETA petition urges supporters to reach out to Pet Stop owner Greg Smith and request the relocation of Frankie. Donations to support the cause can be made through support.peta.org.

Ongoing Advocacy and Future Steps

Despite multiple petitions and growing public support, the situation for Frankie remains unresolved. Animal rights groups continue to push for change, emphasizing the importance of providing capuchins with environments that meet their social and psychological needs.

As the advocacy for Frankie continues, the community remains divided between those who see him as a valuable attraction and those who believe he deserves a better life. With ongoing efforts from various organizations, the hope is that Frankie will soon find a safe and enriching home.