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[Josh Greenman <joshg1973 AT yahoo.com>]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/3756782.stm

Interpol in monkey thieves hunt 

Interpol has been called in to help track down 16 rare monkeys snatched from 
a Devon
sanctuary. 

The marmosets, squirrel monkeys and tamarins were taken in two raids at the 
Shaldon
Wildlife Trust near Teignmouth. 

Police have warned that professional thieves are targeting the region and 
trust director
Tracey Moore welcomed the new investigation. 

"If it is the case the monkeys are heading for the continent, it is great 
news Interpol
are involved," she said. 

"The more people that are trying to find our monkeys the better. 

"It's been devastating for us. We are a tiny charity and we only have two 
members of
staff. 

"Everyone who works for us is a volunteer and gives up their time for what we 
do. 

"We work with the animals on a day-to-day basis and they obviously trust us. 

"It has hit us extremely hard and I would ask anyone who has any information 
to contact
the local police." 

In the latest raid, which took place on either 11 or 12 September, 11 rare 
monkeys were
stolen. 

Joining forces 

Among the creatures taken was a four-week-old goeldis monkey which was 
clinging to its
mother's back. 

Others stolen included two silvery marmosets, a squirrel monkey and three 
cotton-top
tamarins. 

Intruders also struck on 1 August when five squirrel monkeys were taken. 

The monkeys require special care and if the stolen creatures are not looked 
after
properly they could die. 

Investigators are joining forces with wildlife agencies in the hope the 
monkeys might be
found and returned to the trust.