Two of three pygmy marmoset monkeys stolen from a Helensburgh wildlife park at the weekend has been found alive, but one remains missing.
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Police were called to Symbio Wildlife Park about 8am Saturday, after staff discovered three Pygmy Marmoset monkeys missing, including a four-week-old baby.
After receiving a tip-off via Crime Stoppers, police pulled over a car at Appin about 3pm Sunday, and questioned two males. They searched the car and found the baby monkey.
The males have been arrested and are assisting Campbelltown Police with their inquiries.
Symbio’s general manager, Matt Radnidge, said the recovered baby was “less lively” than when last observed by zoo staff.
The creature – too young to have been given a name or to have had its gender determined - is undergoing tests before staff will attempt to re-introduce it to its enclosure.
The theft had split the monkey family down the middle, dividing two sets of twins and a mother and father and interfering with a complex social structure that may prove difficult or impossible to re-establish.
“It's hard to say how [the reunion] will go," Mr Radnidge said.
“It can depend on a number of variables. Best case is, it goes swimmingly. We’ll be doing everything within our power and drawing on the knowledge of experts in the field as well as our own staff.”
“We’re working around the clock to get the outcome we need, but we are taking things very slowly.”
News of the recovery was bittersweet, he said.
“Obviously the guys were ecstatic to hear the news, but it’s a little bittersweet at this stage because the job isn’t totally done,” he said.
Police continue to appeal for public assistance in finding the other missing monkeys –named Gomez and Sophia.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to assist police.
