TORONTO — A judge has ruled that a pet monkey found wandering outside an Ikea store in Toronto should not be returned to the woman who calls herself his mom.

The monkey, named Darwin, became famous last year when he was spotted walking around the parking lot wearing a tiny shearling coat.

Additional Photos

In this Dec. 9, 2012, photo provided by Bronwyn Page, "Darwin," wearing a winter coat and a diaper, wanders around at an IKEA in Toronto after letting himself out of his crate in a parked car in the store's lot. The monkey's owner, Yasmin Nakhuda, alleges Darwin was illegally taken from her by animal control officials and moved to a sanctuary in Sunderland, Ontario, where he now lives.
In this Dec. 9, 2012, photo provided by Bronwyn Page, "Darwin," wearing a winter coat and a diaper, wanders around at an IKEA in Toronto after letting himself out of his crate in a parked car in the store's lot. The monkey's owner, Yasmin Nakhuda, alleges Darwin was illegally taken from her by animal control officials and moved to a sanctuary in Sunderland, Ontario, where he now lives. AP

The monkey’s owner, Yasmin Nakhuda, had asked a court to get Darwin back. But Ontario Superior Court Judge Mary Vallee ruled Friday that while the monkey may have worn clothing and slept in his former owner’s bed, he is still a wild animal and therefore should not be returned to her.

Nakhuda’s lawyer’s office said she would not be commenting on the decision. After she lost previous interim bids to get Darwin back, Nakhuda left court distraught.

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