Bearded monkey stolen from Leipzig Zoo

A bearded monkey has been stolen from Leipzig Zoo. Unknown perpetrators broke into the enclosure by force, the zoo announced on Tuesday. The 15-year-old female named Ruma was discovered missing on Easter Sunday during a morning check of the animal enclosure. Her companion, a twelve-year-old male monkey, remained in the enclosure. He was externally unharmed.

In addition to the "clear traces of a violent break-in", the zoo said it was also clear that there had been a capture operation. "The criminal investigation department has secured evidence and issued an alert for the bearded monkey," said the Leipzig police headquarters.

Zoo director Jörg Junhold spoke of "bad news". Bearded monkeys are one of the most endangered animal species. Keeping and transportation are regulated by the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, meaning that the legal procurement of the animals is subject to strict requirements. In addition, handling bearded monkeys can be dangerous. It can therefore not be ruled out that the animal was also injured during capture.

"We do not know the motive behind the theft, but we are extremely concerned about the welfare of the middle-aged animal, whose species-appropriate keeping and care requires specialist knowledge, and we very much hope that the animal will be recovered or returned unharmed," explained Junhold. As a consequence of the break-in, security precautions at the zoo have been increased.