Darwin will be living with the primates, at least until a potential trial date in May reports the Toronto Star. The Superior Court Justice overseeing the case has ruled this afternoon that Darwin is to remain at the Story Book Farm primate sanctuary until a trial regarding custody takes place. Because Darwin is legally categorized as property, owner Yasmin Nakhuda was faced with showing that she is likely to succeed in a trial in order to win interim custody. Nakhuda failed to convince the court.

“I am not satisfied she has met the high standard necessary” said Justice Michael Brown today upon making his ruling to keep Darwin at the primate sanctuary.

Nakuda, who has been accused of abusing Darwin and lying about how she acquired him in the first place, fears that the longer she is separated from the monkey, the more likely it is that their bond will break. Peggy Rice, a monkey specialist advising on the case has said that a separation of any longer than 4 months could be “devastating” to the bond

Yesterday Nakuda claimed that she was tricked by animal services into signing over custody of the animal. Darwin is reported to be doing well having gained muscle mass and regrown additional fur. 

[via Toronto Star]

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Eva Voinigescu is an intern at Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter @EvaVoinigescu.

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