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'Terrified' Monkey Abandoned in Laundry Bag on London Bus
The RSPCA says the abandonment may be linked to new primate licensing rules, as an estimated 5,000 primates are kept as pets in England.
On Friday, July 17, a London bus driver discovered a terrified marmoset abandoned in a laundry bag aboard a route 302 bus, transporting the primate to the Metroline Bus Depot in Willesden before contacting the RSPCA.
The RSPCA fears this abandonment links to new legislation effective since April requiring licenses for all primates kept in England, where officials estimate 5,000 primates are kept as pets.
Named 'Oyster' following her discovery, the animal received a clean bill of health from a specialist exotics vet and is settling into a primate sanctuary equipped with specialist facilities.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV and bus logs to identify the person who left the animal onboard, with the charity urging witnesses to call 0300 123 8018.
Sanctuary staff plan to introduce Oyster to a lone male marmoset seeking companionship soon, offering the rescued animal a stable environment with experienced keepers provided she remains unclaimed.