EXCLUSIVE: Kim Kardashian promoted the ‘abusive’ monkey trade in her latest video, according to animal rights experts

You're going to have to bear with me on this one, but monkey experts are laying into Kim Kardashian for promoting the trade of exotic animals. Kim posted a video to her Instagram Story showing two marmosets playing with her kids at home. Private ownership of monkeys is illegal in California, and getting hold of them in the wild often involves killing their entire families. So according to animal rights campaigners PETA and academics across the US, Kim just promoted the violent monkey trade.

Leading authorities on monkeys spoke to babe to explain why Kim's video was "appalling" and "irresponsible." Professor Erin Vogel, who teaches at Rutgers, explained most pet monkeys are taken from their mothers before they are weaned – the mom is often shot and killed so her baby can be taken out of the wild.

"It is absolutely irresponsible and inappropriate for a celebrity to promote the abuse that these monkeys experience," Vogel said. "Exotic animals belong in their natural habitat or in zoos for education purposes – not as pets. Most primates in general are very social, and to separate them from their social group setting is irresponsible and cruel. Celebrities should spend more time promoting the conservation of the endangered habitats of these animals instead of taking 'cute' pictures or videos for Instagram. It is appalling."

PETA was quick to condemn Kim's video, and called on people to not spend money on exotic animals. In a statement to babe, PETA's Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said: "Marmosets should be jumping from tree to tree, playing with one another, and raising their offspring in large, tight-knit social groups. PETA urges families to steer clear of exhibitors that drag wild animals around town for this type of misguided stunt."

Marmosets in the wild

Professor Agustín Fuentes, who teaches at Notre Dame, said what Kim did was even tantamount to animal abuse. "No, they should not be playing with it, owning it or promoting such behavior online or in any way," he told babe. It is abusive to the animals… They should be ashamed of being so ignorant and for the harm they are potentially doing to the primates and to other animals by promoting the exotic animal trade."

Lori Marino, founder of The Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy, added that Kim's marmoset display was "the height of irresponsibility." She said: "This promotes more exotic pet ownership and the losers in this situation are always the animals… It doesn’t matter how famous and rich you are or how fancy your house is – you cannot provide what these animals need to thrive."

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