The Dorset Evening Echo reported on the unusual tale of Chippy, a tiny Java monkey in a bright red coat whose loving Frampton owner hoped to find her a new home.

Today, of course, monkeys are no longer kept as domestic pets — and rightly so — but this charming piece of local history offers a fascinating glimpse into a very different time.

The article, written “in the moment” by reporter Barbara, paints a vivid picture of Chippy’s affectionate nature, her daily routines, and the deep bond she shared with her owner, Mrs. C. Jaques of Frampton, near Dorchester.

Many qualifications needed by anyone interested

CHIPPY, a small Java monkey, in a bright red coat, needs a new home.

But unless you have plenty of time to spare, an intense fondness for animals, and preferably some experience in the care and handling of monkeys, read no further, for Chippy is not for you.

Chippy, who is a cross between a friend and a ‘baby’ to her owner, Mrs C. Jaques, of Frampton, requires all these things in plenty.

She needs constant attention to see she is warm, out of draughts; to give her Farex and milk three times every day, plus a constant supply of fruit, nuts weevils, carrots and onions.

Mrs. Jaques told me a little of Chippy’s history when I called at to see her, writes Barbara.

Chippy the monkey (Image: NQ)

Very rare and worth a considerable sum of money, the monkey was given to a friend who had a restaurant at Reading by Mr Chipperfield. of circus fame.

One day Mrs. Jaques called at the restaurant – and it was ‘love at first sight for Chippy and Mrs. Jaques.’

The monkey’s owners parted with her and since then she has been Mrs Jacques’ constant companion. Chippy rides on her shoulder or inside her coat whenever she goes shopping.

While her owner is gardening, Chippy is there to chase butterflies she talks incessantly, kisses when she is in a good mood – which is most of the time – and is as spritely as a cricket.

She loves company, but when she is put to bed in her special home she sleeps like a baby from 7.30pm until 9’o clock the following morning.

Does not want to part with her

Mrs Jacques does not want to part with Chippy, but she is moving and at her new home it will be impossible to keep the little monkey.

But she wants to make sure that Chippy is going to be happy and that she will have a really good home where her new owner will spend plenty of time with her.

“I don’t feel she is going to be cooped up in a cage all the time, or played with by children,” she said.

“And I don’t want anyone to have her with the intention of selling her again. I want to give Chippy to the right person, but I want them to buy her rather expensive cage, which is properly fitted with a brooder light and everything for her comfort.”

The RSPCA will inspect any new home that may be offered to the little monkey from Java, to ensure she is going to be well treated.

So if you feel you have all the qualifications to take on the pleasant task of looking after this intelligent animal, have word with her owner over the phone (Maiden Newton 327) drop her a line and make an appointment; or ring R.S.P.C.A. Inspector Horner at Dorchester.