Gabriella Katia is a longtime model who's made repeat appearances at Miami Swim Week. But that's not why people are always stopping her on the street. It's because of her pet monkeys.
With boyfriend Matt Crown, Katia has two marmosets, Diddy Kong
"All the attention is nice, and Diddy Kong definitely likes it," Katia, age 26, says with a laugh. "It's maybe getting to his head a little bit, but he likes it."
Born in San Diego and raised in Orlando, Katia moved to Miami about seven years ago to pursue modeling. She signed a contract with a lingerie company and then with a Miami-based agency. Won over by its beaches, quick pace, and wealth of cultures, she soon fell in love with the Magic City.
"In my opinion, Miami is the best city in the world," she says.
They struck viral gold with a video of the five-inch-tall monkey enjoying a toothbrush bath.
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It was 2015 when Katia and Crown, who
"That one video put him on the map," Katia says.
Soon after, the couple decided their monkey needed a friend. Along came Yeti Kong, another marmoset that, at two-and-a-half inches, is even tinier than her brother. The two settled into a pampered life of fresh fruit meals, cuddles with mom and dad, rooftop sunbathing, and the occasional mini marshmallow. They often hit the town on their mom's shoulder.
Diddy and Yeti Kong have become such big stars that they now have a New York-based agent who handles promotions and events. In recent weeks, they've been busy making media appearances and preparing for their debut at
Florida is one of just a handful of states that allow ownership of monkeys. The Sunshine State requires permits, though, and some — such as those for great apes, gibbons, and baboons — are particularly difficult to get. Obtaining permits for the tiny marmosets is relatively easy.
Navigating all of this has been a bit of a whirlwind for Diddy and Yeti Kong's parents.
"If you would have told me two years ago that I was going to be the mom of two famous monkeys on Instagram," Katia says, "I literally would not believe you. I'd be very confused."
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