WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A South Florida zoo has released surveillance photographs of a person believed to be responsible for the theft of a tiny monkey.
Kali, a 12-year-old female Goeldi's monkey, was stolen from a locked enclosure at the Palm Beach Zoo early Monday.
Still images from the surveillance video released Tuesday show someone walking along the west perimeter of the zoo shortly before 1 a.m. Monday.
Margo McKnight, president and chief executive officer of the zoo, said there was forced entry into the habitat where Kali lived and the mesh on the monkey's enclosure was cut open.
"We immediately examined habitats throughout the zoo before determining this was an isolated incident," McKnight said.
Kali, who came to the zoo from Milwaukee in 2009, requires a special diet and takes anti-inflammatory medication.
"This very small and rare monkey is increasingly sought after for the illegal pet trade," McKnight said. "We don't buy and sell our animals. We work in collaboration with other zoos to save species. Kali and her well-being is priceless."
Zoo officials are urging anyone with information about Kali's theft to call Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS.
Police are reviewing the surveillance video.