Zoo to owner: Come get your runaway monkey; bring monkey permit

The Emperor Valley Zoo says it has taken custody of a monkey found roaming on Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain earlier this week, and is asking the owner to come and get it.

The owner, however, must present a permit.

The Zoo said in a news release Friday that on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, zoo officials received calls from concerned citizens reporting the animal moving through the Maraval Road area.

Two zookeepers were dispatched and later captured the monkey in the carpark of a building along Sweet Briar Road.

The animal was safely secured and transported to the zoo, where it remains housed.

During examination, the Zoo said, staff discovered a collar tightly fastened around the monkey’s waist.

Officials confirmed the collar was removed immediately to ensure the animal’s wellbeing.

Zoo management stressed that they do not place collars or belts on animals in their care.

They say the collar in question can be used to help identify the monkey’s rightful owner.

It noted that at present, the owner of the animal is unknown but said the monkey may be claimed by its owner, provided they present a valid permit issued by the Forestry Division.