A female common marmoset, now named Oyster, was discovered abandoned in a laundry bag on a London bus on Friday. The monkey was found on a 302 bus waiting in Kensal Rise, north-west London, after a mother with a buggy alerted the driver because the bag was obstructing the aisle.
Discovery and Rescue
The driver pushed the bag aside, causing Oyster to chirp and jump. The driver then took the monkey to the Metroline Bus Depot at Willesden bus station and contacted the RSPCA. RSPCA London chief investigator Clare Dew said the monkey was “terrified” and well concealed in a plastic, chequered laundry bag with handles. She had been left with some apple but was dehydrated and stressed.
Link to New Legislation
The RSPCA fears this abandonment is a direct result of new legislation that came into effect in April, requiring all primates kept in England to be licensed. Clare Dew stated, “This is clearly a direct result of the new legislation and is something we feared would happen. I’d be surprised if it’s the last primate we see being dumped.” The new law mandates microchipping, which Oyster had not received.
Oyster's New Home
Oyster is now healthy and living in a sanctuary with specialist primate facilities. In a twist of fate, the sanctuary had been seeking a female marmoset to introduce to a lone male. Clare Dew noted, “When that fell through just a few hours before Oyster was rescued, it looked like destiny that Oyster was supposed to go there. She’s settled in really well over the weekend, and is eating well.”
Investigation and Concerns
The RSPCA is investigating, reviewing CCTV and bus logs to trace the person responsible. Exotic animals expert Evie Button expressed concern about potential further abandonments, saying, “The introduction of primate licenses in England is an important step forward for animal welfare, but there is a real concern that keepers who cannot or do not want to license their pet may now instead abandon them.” Government estimates suggest 5,000 primates are kept as pets in England, but wildlife charity Born Free has found low uptake of the licensing system. The RSPCA handled 238 reports of primate neglect and cruelty between 2021 and 2025.
