A new oddity store on Main Street is not only quirky and bizarre, wacky and whimsical, but also educational and fascinating — and maybe just a little gross.
But, without a doubt, This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven is the place to find a gift for someone who has everything — especially those interested in taxidermy, edible insects and bones of every description. On social media sites the store uses the hash tag, #itwasdeadwhenwemet.
The store is not without controversy. In September, This Monkey was raided by wildlife conservation officers who spent a day inspecting the store’s inventory, eventually seizing 96 pieces to ensure they weren’t from endangered or prohibited species. Co-owner Rachel Zott told the Courier 95 of those pieces were returned the next day. Zott doesn’t know if the raid was complaint driven.
“They couldn’t tell us,” said Zott.
Raid aside, in an effort to find out what this Monkey is all about, the Courier had some questions for Zott.
Tell us about the name
I cannot tell a lie. A mutual friend has a knack for naming everything, so over a bottle of wine she imparted her genius. Actually it’s the name of song about environmentalism by the Pixies, circa 1989.
How did the store get started?
Our collection of antiques and taxidermy outgrew the house. Almost every artist we’ve met has (or did have) a piece on our walls, either at home or the store. My partner and I had an idea of a store in the back of our minds and this attractive space presented itself.
Besides a conversation piece, why would someone want these items — such as animal skulls?
Probably the same reason as me — I see beauty in the natural world and love the curious. A story is attached to every item and I believe that’s important. Nowadays most of our lives are bombarded with disposable stuff so having something with a history makes it more special and something you’ll keep.
Where do these items come from? And from whom?
Our taxidermists are well-respected world-wide and have worked in this profession for many years. A professor in California supplies us with some of the wet specimens, which is taxidermy suspended in liquid such as alcohol. We have intricately carved animal skulls from an artist in Indonesia. Some items are made by local artists. Skulls primarily come from trappers, but nothing is killed to sell directly for retail. Everything has been dead for a long time, everything is vintage. Wherever they are, by supporting these crafts people, we can help the creative community expand and flourish.
Fun stuff?
Voodoo dolls — they make thoughtful and considerate gifts for someone having a tough week. Or maybe someone just got fired. And we have hilarious stuffed animals, diseases and infections. For instance, a rubbery blob represents stomach or Lyme disease. Chicken pox is cute. (You’d probably have to see blobs and chicken pox to determine the cuteness factor.)
Most popular?
Bugs. Kids go full throttle — they have no fear. They can choose from nine flavours of cricket chips. If you aren’t fond of crunchy, we have mealworms and chocolate-covered ants.
What are your faves?
I want to take everything home but I’ve reigned myself in. Every time I open a new shipment I get excited, every box is a new discovery. Every item is educational.
Have animal rights activists called?
Actually most animal activists and vegans are fascinated by the preservation and care of the animals. Nothing is wasteful. Sure, death can be morbid, but look at the Egyptians. By collecting these items we are preserving and caring for them rather than disposing of them. Animals can live on with our care and appreciation.
Describe the average customer.
Our customers are cool. Last week an Australian man saw the stink bug we imported from his country and couldn’t believe the things some people buy! (In case you don’t know, a stink bug looks like a stick man hung on the wall). He told me a story about growing up with stink bugs. And kids love the store — it’s like walking into a zoology museum or the occult. Hey, I’m weird, we know we’re weird and we are weirdo magnets.
Is Vancouver ready for This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven?
Based on sales since we opened [in June], I think Vancouver is ready and Main Street is the location for cool and new — and weird.
This Monkey’s gone to Heaven is located at 3957 Main St. near East 24th Avenue.
janemundy595@gmail.com
