Monkey Snatched From Florida Zoo

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- A valuable monkey was snatched from a Florida zoo Monday as police appealed to the public for leads.

"We need your help finding Kali, who was #stolen from the @PalmBeachZoo this morning," West Palm Beach police said on social media.

Police said the monkey weighs only a pound and was taken around 1 a.m.

"Twelve-year-old #Kali looks exactly like this #Goeldi’s #monkey ... and needs medication," police said in releasing a photo of a similar animal.

Zoo Keeper Naki Carter told reporters that the animal requires a specialized diet and takes medicine for a health condition.

"The Goeldi's monkeys are very popular on the illegal pet trade," said Carter. "Since she is a female as far as breeding is concerned, she's holding a pretty high value, upwards of $10,000 I'm told."

Goeldi's monkeys are covered in shaggy, black hair, with lighter coloration around the face, according to the U.S. Smithsonian's National Zoo. "They have claw-like nails on all of their digits, except for their large toes," Smithsonian officials said.

Carter said another monkey was snatched nearly 10 years ago but was later recovered.

The zoo is equipped with surveillance video at various locations. But Carter would not say if the zoo captured video of the monkey theft.

To report a tip, call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 800-458-8477 or visit http://www.crimestoppersPBC.com.

The zoo is located at 1301 Summit Blvd in West Palm Beach.

Photo courtesy West Palm Beach Police Department