The RSPCA has rescued a common marmoset that was found abandoned inside a laundry bag on a London bus. The monkey, now named Oyster, was discovered on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise shortly before 11:45 am on Friday, July 17, after a mother boarding with a pushchair alerted the driver to a protruding bag.
Discovery on the Bus
According to the RSPCA, the driver moved the laundry bag aside, causing the monkey to chirp and leap about. Upon opening the bag, he found a small white metal bird cage wrapped inside. The driver returned to the depot in Willesden and contacted the RSPCA. Claire Dew, RSPCA London chief inspector, said: "The monkey was inside a small, white, metal bird cage which had been wrapped inside a plastic, chequered laundry bag... She'd been left with some apple but was, understandably, very stressed and dehydrated."
Investigation and Sanctuary
The RSPCA is investigating the abandonment, reviewing CCTV and bus logs to trace the person responsible. Wildlife campaigners suspect the abandonment may be linked to new legislation requiring all primates kept in England to be licensed. Oyster underwent a veterinary check-up and was declared in good health. She is now at a sanctuary with specialist primate facilities and will soon be introduced to a lone male marmoset seeking company.
Chief Inspector Dew added: "In a twist of fate, a sanctuary had been working with us to find a suitable female marmoset... We were hoping to transfer one from the north of England but, when that fell through just a few hours before Oyster was rescued, it looked like destiny." The RSPCA appeals for witnesses to call 0300 123 8018.
