A London bus driver had 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 just before 11:45 AM on Friday, July 17. According to the RSPCA, a mother boarded the bus with a pushchair but struggled to navigate the aisle due to a laundry bag protruding from the luggage bay. When the driver assisted and moved the bag aside, the monkey began chirping and jumping. The driver looked inside and found an abandoned monkey, prompting a return to the Willesden depot and a call to the RSPCA.
Discovery and Rescue
The monkey, a female common marmoset, was inside a small, white, metal bird cage wrapped in a plastic, chequered laundry bag with handles. She had been left with some apple but was very stressed and dehydrated. RSPCA London chief inspector Claire Dew 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 staying calm, taking the monkey back to their station, keeping her in a dark, cool place, and contacting the RSPCA. The RSPCA is investigating and will review CCTV and bus logs to trace the person responsible.
Possible Link to New Legislation
Wildlife campaigners suspect the abandonment may be linked to fresh legislation requiring all primates kept in England to be licensed. The marmoset was examined by a specialist exotics vet and given a clean bill of health. She has been named 'Oyster' in tribute to her discovery on a London bus and is adapting to a new home at a sanctuary with specialist primate facilities. She will soon be introduced to a new male companion who had been 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. She's settled in really well over the weekend, and is eating well, so hopefully she'll be able to meet her new friend soon. If she isn't claimed then she'll remain there with experienced keepers, a wonderful enclosure and company."
Appeal for Information
The RSPCA is appealing for anyone who witnessed someone boarding the bus with the laundry bag to contact them via their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
