Safe return for SpongeBob the monkey
Safe return for SpongeBob the monkey
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Thursday, 20, Jul 2006 12:29
Zookeepers in Surrey are today celebrating the safe return of a stolen endangered squirrel monkey.
The disappearance of SponegeBob from Chessington Zoo on Sunday night led to a huge media campaign for his return.
It was thought that he was deliberately targeted as he is the only breeding monkey of his type in England and concern was high for his safety.
But the publicity appears to have scared off his captors and he was reunited with the zoo last night after being found monkeying about with children on Clapham Common in south London.
A member of the public identified the two-year-old from the photos that had been in the press after the theft and contacted police, who took him back to the zoo.
"We couldn't believe it when we got the call from the police late last night," said Sonia Freeman, head of mammals at the zoo at Chessington World of Adventures.
"We are so very happy to have Bob back with us and would like to thank everyone who helped appeal for his safe return."
"Bob is still very upset and unsettled, and he has clearly been through a disturbing experience. He has lost a lot of weight and he is obviously hungry and stressed. He is being cared for by the zoo vet and his keepers here at the zoo, and we are hopeful he will get back to his normal, playful self soon."
Police are continuing to investigate the theft, which they have called a "pre-planned strike" and are urging anyone with any information to come forward.
"The return of Spongebob to Chessington World of Adventures is a fantastic result and we are delighted he is safe and well," Detective Constable David Burton of the Metropolitan police said.
Bolivian squirrel monkeys like SpongeBob usually live in the rainforests of Central and South America and three species are on the world's endangered list.
Scientists also believe them to be among the most intelligent of animals as they have the highest proportionate brain size of all primates.