3 petitions, 65,000 signatures: The online movement to free Kansas monkey
Advocacy aiming to secure the freedom of a capuchin monkey in Kansas has gained traction once again following the creation of more petitions.
For the past 18 years, Frankie, a capuchin monkey, has been residing inside a Pet Stop in Shawnee.
But Frankie is not a pet for sale. Rather, he serves as an in-store attraction for guests, a move by the store owners that has upset a large number of animal activists in the community.
Animal Advocates Coalition petition
After eight years of confinement, initial steps towards Frankie’s freedom were taken by the Animal Advocates Coalition of Kansas City on April 5, 2015, when they created the “Release Frankie to a Sanctuary” petition on Change.org.
Capuchin monkeys, highly social and intelligent, typically live in dynamic groups that require both physical and psychological stimulation. With Frankie isolated in a cage, the petition called for the owners of Pet Stop to release him to a reputable sanctuary where they said he can receive the proper care that he needs.
Mentioned in the petition as suitable homing options for Frankie were the Performing Animal Welfare Society, Jungle Friends Rescue and the Primate Rescue Center.
Prior to its closing, the petition had gathered 1,585 signatures.
In Defense of Animals petition
In December 2023, another petition was launched in support of rehoming Frankie.
In Defense of Animals (IDA) initiated their “Free Frankie the Monkey from a Kansas Pet Store Cage & Send Him to Sanctuary” petition, emphasizing what they described as the severe emotional and mental toll of isolation on social primates deprived of basic freedoms and companionship they would otherwise have.
The campaign provides anyone who wishes to join the advocacy for Frankie a list of courses of actions to take.
For those wanting to speak up against Frankie’s situation, the IDA campaign includes an email letter template for messaging Pet Stop directly.
The campaign also notes potential legal implications on how holding a primate in prolonged isolation may violate USDA regulations. For those with concerns about possible violations of federal regulations on primate social housing, it’s possible to file a USDA complaint by calling their Animal Care Complaint Line or filing a complaint here.
With over 13,000 signatures in support, the petition says that fully accredited sanctuaries nearby with dedicated capuchin programs are prepared to welcome Frankie into spacious and naturalistic environments where he can live alongside other capuchins and receive proper care.
To sign the IDA campaign, visit idausa.org.
PETA petition
Lastly, PETA, or the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, kickstarted their “Urge Pet Stop to Send Frankie the Capuchin to an Accredited Sanctuary” petition.
The petition argues that confining Frankie in isolation inside a store denies him essential species-specific behaviors and companionship, reducing him to a novelty decoration for commercial gain.
Their proposed solution? Just like the other petitions, PETA aims for the relocation of Frankie to a sanctuary where he can live in a more natural setting, receive veterinary care and socialize with other capuchins.
With over 52,000 signatures, the petition urges supporters to contact Pet Stop owner Greg Smith, asking the company to relocate Frankie to where they believe he can thrive.
To donate to the PETA petition, visit support.peta.org.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
