What's with all the monkeys?

Recently my ex Tom posted (without my permission) a set of misc. old family photos including some from before we'd met. Among those were several of a squirrel monkey. One of the responses to that posting was a query from Tavie asking what's with the monkeys.

It's a long story. Ask me about it next time I am in NYC and I'll tell you the whole story, Tavie.

In the meantime, here's the quick answer - as a teen I did volunteer work for the ASPCA's Education Dept.  They sent me to professional animal care and management classes and sponsored my certification as a Lab Animal Technician. During those years I was often asked to care for/rehabilitate monkeys and other small exotic animals they'd rescued until a suitable placement was made. The monkey in the photos Tom posted was named Peter; he was very well socialised (as much as any wild animal can be.) Originally there were a lot of photos of all the various monkeys and apes I took care of over the years including squirrels, spiders, capuchins, woolly, macaques, orangutans, etc. I also cared for ferrets, kinkajoos, otters, and infant tigers. I guess only the photos of Peter survived.