Turkish customs officials say they're doing all they can. The guilty are the African people. But no national law forbids the sale or ownership of primates. Until Turkey passes such a law and punishes offenders, pet storeowners have little incentive to change their ways. Charley, a popular television show starring an adorable chimp, has enamoured many Turks with the idea of chimpanzee pets.
Primate peddlers can also rely on the baby-like charm of young chimpanzees to encourage sales.
But in a matter of five years the cuddly babies become powerful adults, six times stronger than humans. The primates come health risks as well. These animals are being smuggled out Africa and there are no medical tests being done on them. Even if Turkey succeeds in cracking down on primate imports, the question remains what will happen to the animals already there. The Turkish government wants to establish an endangered animal refuge in 2001.