It’s been almost a decade since the internet fell in love with Darwin, the tiny Ikea monkey who went viral 13 years ago. After being found wandering in a Toronto Ikea parking lot, sporting a shearling coat, he made headlines worldwide. Fast forward to today, Darwin is now an adult Japanese macaque living a peaceful life at a sanctuary north of the city. Here’s where he now lives, and what he looks like.
Darwin’s Early Years and Rise to Internet Fame
Born in 2012, Darwin was found in an Ikea parking lot in Toronto, Canada. His image, clad in a stylish shearling coat, quickly spread across the internet. This tiny Japanese macaque became an instant sensation, with his picture being shared and liked by millions worldwide. Although his early life was filled with glamour and media attention, Darwin’s owner was charged with breaking the city’s prohibited-animal bylaw, leading to his relocation.
The Japanese Macaque: Darwin’s Species
Native to Japan, the Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a primate species known for its intelligence and adaptability. They can reach a height of up to 57 inches and weigh anywhere between 8 to 30 kilograms in adulthood. Darwin, now standing at five-foot-four and weighing 20 kilograms, fits well within this range. Japanese macaques have a lifespan of approximately 30 years in the wild, though they can live longer in captivity due to better access to food and medical care.
Life After Fame: Darwin Today
Since his viral moment, Darwin has been living at the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, located north of Toronto. The sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment for primates who are retired from research, the entertainment industry, or who have been rescued from the pet trade. Darwin, like other residents, now enjoys a peaceful life, away from the media glare. He has matured into a healthy adult macaque, maintaining a shy disposition.
Preserving Wildlife and Their Habitats
While the story of Darwin is indeed heartwarming, it also highlights the critical issue of exotic pet trade and the importance of wildlife preservation. Organizations like the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary play an essential role in providing rescued animals a second chance at life. These sanctuaries, along with numerous conservation initiatives worldwide, strive to protect and preserve these species and their natural habitats.
Despite his unusual start in life, Darwin’s story serves as a strong reminder of the inherent value of all creatures and the importance of providing them with the respect and care they deserve. Today, Darwin the Japanese macaque continues to live a peaceful life, away from the public eye, in his sanctuary home.
