STOLEN MARMOSETS FOUND

Four marmosets stolen from Drusialls at Alfriston earlier this month have been recovered in a police raid.

Sussex Police led a joint operation with Staffordshire Police yesterday (June 29) morning and executed two search warrants at two addresses in Tunstall, Staffordshire, accompanied by officials from Drusillas Zoo.

Within 24 hours of identifying suspects, Wealden officers travelled overnight to Staffordshire to co-ordinate the swift recovery of the animals.

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In the properties, police discovered 18 monkeys which have been identified as stolen. Four out of the five Marmosets which were recently stolen from Drusillas have been recovered, along with 14 monkeys which are believed to have been stolen from zoos in Devon and Cambridgeshire earlier this year.

The Marmosets from Drusillas were identified by the microchips that Drusillas places in the majority of their animals.

Two men, both aged 35 years old and both from Tunstall have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and handling stolen property.

Inspector Bob Brown, South Wealden Police, said: "We are delighted that the monkeys have been safely recovered. A lot of effort has been put into this investigation by all those parties involved and I would like to thank the public and media for all their support.

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"Luckily the Marmosets from Drusillas have been found only 11 days after they were taken, however their condition is not 100% and this highlights the special care and expertise required to properly care for these animals which should not be considered as suitable pets. The microchips in these animals has proved invaluable in quickly identifying their owners."

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