- Monkey helper
A monkey helper is a type of assistance animal, similar to an
assistance dog , that is specially trained to help quadriplegics, other people with severe spinal cord injuries or mobility-impairments, or vertically challenged individuals.Monkey helpers are usually trained in schools by private organizations, taking 7 years to train on average, and are able to serve 25-30 years (2-3x longer than a seeing-eye dog). [cite web | url = http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4361694 | title = Monkey Helpers Lend a 'Helping Hand' | accessdate = August 14 | accessyear = 2006]
After being socialized in a human home as infants, the monkeys undergo extensive training before being placed with a quadriplegic. Around the house, the monkeys help out by doing tasks including microwaving food, washing the quadriplegic's face, and opening drink bottles.
In Popular Culture
*The horror film
Monkey Shines features a monkey helper.
* In a side plot inThe Simpsons episodeGirly Edition , Homer manages to get a helper monkey who becomes as fat and lazy as he is.References
External links
* [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22706034#22706034 MSNBC Feature]
* [http://wbztv.com/specialreports/Chris.Watts.Helping.2.575787.html WBZTV Feature]
* [http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1056.shtm Allowed on Airplanes]
* [http://www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org/ Find out more]
* [http://www.charitablechoices.org/charities/HelpingHands/default.asp More info]
* [http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4361694 More info]
* [http://www.monkeyhelpers.org Monkey Helpers. Org]
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