Four out of five missing monkeys are found

Four monkeys stolen from Blackpool Zoo have been returned home and doing well. But there are concerns for a fifth, a baby Cotton-top Tamarin, which is still missing.

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Zoo's returned monkeys settle back at home

Three of the returned monkeys enjoy a snack Credit: ITV

A group of monkeys, returned to Blackpool Zoo after a theft, have not lost their appetites despite their ordeal.

Five of the animals were stolen during a break-in earlier this week. Four were found abandoned in a cardboard box in West Yorkshire last night.

The youngest, a baby Cotton-Top Tamarin, is still missing. Zoo staff fear for its survival without its mother.

ITV News cameras captured the returned animals settling down, and enjoying a snack, this afternoon.

Concern for missing monkey as four others return home to zoo

Four monkeys stolen from Blackpool Zoo have been returned home and doing well. But there are concerns for a fifth, a baby Cotton-top Tamarin, which is still missing.

The five were stolen overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday and police say they were inundated with calls from the public before four were found in Brighouse, Yorkshire.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support. This is still a live inquiry as we continue to investigate who was responsible for the thefts.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information or any witnesses who saw anything suspicious on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning to get in touch. "

– PC Steve Higgs, Blackpool Police

"We are extremely relieved that four of the monkeys have been found safe and well, although we are also saddened that the baby Cotton-top Tamarin has not been found."We would like to thank everyone for their support in helping us find the monkeys which were all born here at Blackpool Zoo and are very much part of our family. The monkeys have all been checked and have been reintroduced back into their group."

– Charlotte Pennie, head of primates at Blackpool Zoo

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Pictured - Blackpool's five missing monkeys

The monkeys are unnamed, pictured here are the mother and baby. Credit: Lancashire Police
The monkeys were all born at Blackpool Zoo. Credit: Lancashire Police
Police believe the monkeys were targeted. Credit: Lancashire Police
Police say ports have been placed on alert. Credit: Lancashire Police
Blackpool Zoo said it is "extremely saddened" by the theft. Credit: Lancashire Police

"Imperative" stolen monkeys receive the correct care

We are extremely saddened by the theft of these monkeys and it is imperative they receive the correct care in order to survive.

All the animals were born here at Blackpool Zoo and are part of our zoo family, so I would like to urge anyone with any information to contact the police.

– Darren Webster, director of Blackpool Zoo

Anyone with information should contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log number 0583 of April 30 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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