A London bus driver was forced to return to the depot after discovering a frightened monkey left behind by its owner. The common marmoset was found on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise shortly before 11:45 am on Friday, July 17.
According to the RSPCA, a mother boarded the bus with a pushchair but could not navigate the aisle because a laundry bag was protruding from the luggage bay. When the driver moved the bag, the monkey began chirping and leaping. Peering inside, the driver found the abandoned animal and decided to return to the depot in Willesden to contact the RSPCA.
Rescue and Care
Claire Dew, RSPCA London chief inspector, said: "The monkey - a female common marmoset - was inside a small, white, metal bird cage which had been wrapped inside a plastic, chequered laundry bag, with handles, so was well concealed. She'd been left with some apple but was, understandably, very stressed and dehydrated."
Dew thanked the bus driver and Metroline team for their calm response, keeping the monkey in a dark, cool place until help arrived. The RSPCA is investigating, reviewing CCTV and bus logs to trace the person responsible.
New Legislation and Sanctuary
Wildlife campaigners believe the abandonment may be linked to new legislation requiring all primates kept in England to be licensed. The marmoset, named Oyster after her discovery on a London bus, was examined by a specialist exotic animal vet and given a clean bill of health. She is now settling into a primate sanctuary with specialist facilities and will soon meet a male companion seeking a friend.
Chief Inspector Dew added: "In a twist of fate, a sanctuary had been working with us to find a suitable female marmoset to introduce to a lone male they were caring for. 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 that Oyster was supposed to go there."
Oyster is eating well and settling in. If not claimed, she will remain at the sanctuary with experienced keepers and a wonderful enclosure.
The RSPCA urges anyone with information to call their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
