Discovered in a tree

Stolen zoo monkey in Leipzig reappears

Lady monkey "Ruma" was apparently abandoned after her abduction.

(Bild: Zoo Leipzig)

After the curious theft of a female monkey from Leipzig Zoo, "Ruma" has reappeared - a jogger discovered the bearded monkey in a tree. The thieves probably abandoned the rare animal after reporting on the case.

The police were alerted after the monkey was spotted - a team from Leipzig Zoo was also deployed. In the meantime, the primate had taken refuge in a nearby apartment building and was captured there.

Monkey in good health, but weakened
"Ruma" should be fine. "We are relieved that our female bearded monkey is doing well after an initial examination", explained zoo director Jörg Junhold. The monkey had no external injuries, but appeared weakened. He expressed his thanks to the whistleblower who had spotted the animal on his morning jog. 

The case is not yet closed: According to the police, the search for the perpetrators is continuing. The case is being investigated for particularly serious theft.

The disappearance of the animal was noticed on the morning of Easter Sunday - there were clear signs of burglary at the enclosure, the zoo announced. Another animal, a twelve-year-old male, had been left behind in the enclosure by the perpetrators.