We learn a lot of valuable lessons in life and one couple said they learned one of their most powerful and heartbreaking on Monday...

Never fall in love with a monkey and take it home!

A Michigan couple said a tearful goodbye to Max, their pet monkey of 26 years.

It's a new beginning for Max who was taken to Jungle Friends Sanctuary in Gainesville, a refuge for monkeys.

The couple, who have been on Jungle Friend's waiting list for two years, said Max had been just like a son to them.

But his unpredictable behavior, including biting people, made them realize Max needed a home out of suburbia and with other monkeys. 

Jungle Friends staff say it's important for animal lovers to realize monkeys are wild animals who need to socialize with other monkeys.

Currently, the sanctuary has a dozen monkeys on the waiting list for a home.