Self-proclaimed 'monkey whisperer' sentenced for illegally selling capuchin monkey to celebrity client

A Parrish man will serve house arrest and pay an almost $100,000 fine for trafficking protected primates.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • Share

In a case that could have could have come out of a Carl Hiaasen novel, a Parrish man known as "The Monkey Whisperer" has been sentenced to five years of probation for illegally trafficking in protected primates when he tried to sell a capuchin monkey to an unnamed Hollywood celebrity.

 

Continue reading your article
with a Business Observer subscription.
What's included:
  • ✓ Unlimited digital access to BusinessObserverFL.com
  • ✓ E-Newspaper app, digital replica of print edition
  • ✓ Mailed print newspaper every Friday (optional)
  • ✓ Newsletter of daily business news
Subscribe

Already subscribed? Sign in.

Latest News

  • February 16, 2026
Marine salvage and diving firm opens regional HQ in Pasco
  • February 16, 2026
57 St. Petersburg jobs cut as in-person tolls on Skyway eliminated
  • February 16, 2026
Allegiant launches flight from SRQ to upstate New York
  • February 16, 2026
USF secures $14M in federal funds for community projects

Sponsored Content