Monkey Found Abandoned in Laundry Bag on London Bus
Passengers on a London bus were shocked to find a monkey in a laundry bag that began jumping and chirping. The animal was rescued, and a reward has been offered for information about the person who left it.
Last Friday on the 302 bus route in northwest London, a mother with a stroller was blocked by a large laundry bag in the aisle. The bus driver tried to move the bag, which suddenly started jumping and chirping. Opening it, he discovered a frightened monkey inside.
Rescue and Response
The driver immediately terminated the route and took the animal to the Willesden bus depot. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reported that the monkey, named Oyster, was extremely scared, stressed, and dehydrated. After a veterinary check, she was transferred to a specialized primate sanctuary.
Reward and Investigation
Animal rights organization PETA has offered a £3,000 (about €3,500) reward for information leading to the person who abandoned the monkey. PETA Vice President Elisa Allen condemned the act as an unimaginable betrayal. The bus driver and transport company are assisting investigators by reviewing CCTV footage and passenger records.
Possible Cause
RSPCA suspects the abandonment may be linked to a new law that took effect in England in April, requiring all primate owners to license and microchip their pets. The found monkey was not microchipped. The RSPCA fears this could be the first of many such cases. An estimated 5,000 primates are kept as pets in England, with 238 reports of cruelty in recent years.
