THE MONKEY that faced one of the ‘worst cases’ of abuse is learning to trust again after being placed with a new mate.

Last week, Vicki Holland from Newport was given a 12-week suspended sentence, £600 fine and lifetime ban on keeping animals after videos were found of her neglecting and abusing Milly the marmoset.

Distressing videos showed Holland threatening to and then flushing the toilet when the marmoset was cowering in the bowl, clinging on for dear life. She was also filmed offering the marmoset cocaine and forcing her dog to chase the terrified animal.

Milly was taken to Monkey World in January 2020 where staff were distraught at the effects the abuse had on her. She was terrified of people and would hide at the back of the enclosure and alarm call whenever a member of staff walked past.

According to a post on Monkey World Dorset’s website, the staff were eventually able to gain her trust – which was helped by providing her with a mate in fellow marmoset Moon.

Moon – who was also rescued from the pet trade – would quickly dash to Milly’s side when she became alarmed to help reassure her. Slowly she gained in confidence in her surroundings and began to enjoy her new home, friend and spending time outside in the enclosure.

Dr Allison Cronin, director of Monkey World, provided witness testimony at the court case. She said: “Milly’s case was tragic and heartbreaking. She spent her life living in fear and was subjected to abuse and cruelty that is the worst that I have seen in more than 30 years of rescuing primates.

“Milly will never fully recover from her abuse and will be psychologically damaged for the rest of her life but the key to saving Milly was companionship of her own kind. With Moon at her side, she has been able to relax and enjoy her life, finally.”

South Wales Argus:

Steph Sawyer, team leader of small monkeys, said: “Rehabilitating Milly has been a long process. I have never seen such a terrified marmoset. Milly cringed away and hid from every person she encountered, any loud noise or sudden movement would send her into a screaming alarm call and looking for somewhere to hide.

“She wouldn’t move or eat in front of us to begin with; only freeze and hide. Even now that she is settled and happy with a mate, the sight of new people can still cause her to panic. The mental scarring from her abuse will always be with her.”