I am just wondering if this may have been common.

My great-grandmother's father was a sailor. He gave her a pet monkey, as well as quite a few odd items that he probably got through travels.

However, what struck me as odd for some reason was the monkey. I mean the how - why - upkeep - transport means seems a little expensive for an average "joe" sailor.

Is there any records or mention of people in the early to mid 1800s with "pet monkeys". Or whom might have trafficked in such.