Ontario primate sanctuary helps sick British boy meet artistic monkey

Five-year-old Seth Lane, who was born without an immune system, met Pockets Warhol a monkey from the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in Ontario over Skype on Thursday. The monkey created an abstract painting called "Little Sun" for Lane. (File Photo)

An Ontario animal sanctuary has helped a young British boy, who was born without an immune system, meet Canada's very own Warhol.

Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary set up a Skype call on Thursday between five-year-old Seth Lane and the artist behind "Little Sun," who happens to be a monkey named Pockets Warhol.

Lane, whose story went viral on social media, is confined to his hospital room and is allowed only limited contact with other people.

Last month, the five-year-old started a campaign called "Wear Yellow for Seth," asking people to wear the colour to support him and cheer him up.

People from around the world responded, including Pockets who created an abstract painting for Lane.

This abstract painting is Pockets' contribution to the "Wear Yellow for Seth" campaign.

During the virtual meet-up on Thursday, workers at Story Book Farm were delighted to see Lane's face "light up" when he came face-to-face with the primate.

"It was very moving to see him have a moment of happiness when he is so sick right now, but he has a lot of people surrounding him to give him courage and happiness, and hopefully, a good recovery soon," said Caroline Malins, a volunteer at Story Book.

Pockets Warhol is seen at the Story Book Farm animal sanctuary.

After undergoing surgery to have his gallbladder removed in March, Lane is about to start chemotherapy. The goal is to get him a bone marrow transplant, which is needed to cure him.

Story Book is also home to Darwin, the so-called Ikea monkey.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Scott Lightfoot