Baby Monkeys Stolen in Raid on Zoo
Posted on: Monday, 20 March 2006, 06:00 CST
A PAIR of baby marmoset monkeys the size of a human thumb were amongst a haul of rare animals and birds stolen during a zoo burglary.
The tiny primates were amongst an entire colony of the threatened black-eared marmosets stolen along with a number of exotic birds from Exmoor Zoo, in Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple, Devon.
Curator Danny Reynolds said he believed the burglary was carried out by thieves stealing to order.
He feared the four-week old marmosets were in grave peril because of their size and vulnerability.
Mr Reynolds said: "Those two little babies are going to suffer. It's what is going to happen to them that worries me.
"Unless they are looked after by someone who knows how to care for them, they are going to die."
Mr Reynolds explained the colony of nine black-eared marmosets, a species officially rated as threatened, was the only breeding colony in the UK.
They are about 18in tall and originate from the Amazonian rainforests of Brazil.
Also stolen were a pair of white-fronted marmosets which are considered an endangered species, also from the Amazon.
The birds stolen were two pairs of parrots, a pair of cockatoos and a pair of Amazons.
Mr Reynolds said: "These people have no right targeting a zoo. They have targeted species which do not require a licence to be owned by a normal member of the public so I do believe they have been stealing to order.
"But these animals are not like ones you would find in a pet shop. We have been building up the colony of black-eared marmosets since 1993 so this is more than a decade's work protecting this species down the drain."
Mr Reynolds said he believed the thieves entered the zoo through a perimeter fence at about 3am yesterday and came equipped with carrying boxes to remove the animals.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "The police are currently investigating this offence and are keen to ensure their swift return of the animals for their safety and welfare."
Source: Daily Post; Liverpool
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