Stolen Monkey Returned To Palm Beach Zoo

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Kali, the shaggy 1-pound monkey that was snatched from its enclosure at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society on Monday is back home.

"Kali is home," declared West Palm Beach police in announcing the animal's return on Wednesday. "Thank you to everyone that helped secure her recovery."

Detectives returned the female monkey to Zoo officials shortly before midnight Tuesday after an adventure that has yet to be fully disclosed.

"We are grateful for the tenacious and passionate detectives and police officers involved in our case," said Zoo President and CEO Margo McKnight.

Zoo officials said the 12-year-old Goeldi’s monkey suffers from inflammation that requires medication but that the animal appears to be in good health otherwise.

“Kali is doing well considering she has been without her medication for days,” McKnight explained. “Our animal care team is monitoring her closely, and our goal is to reunite her with Quito, her mate, as soon as we know she’s healthy.”

Zoo Keeper Naki Carter told reporters earlier that she feared the animal would be sold on the black market.

"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.

Another monkey was snatched from the Palm Beach Zoo nearly 10 years ago and was also recovered.

“We have on-site security guards and surveillance equipment, now we’re looking at increasing both technology and manpower," said McKnight.

Kali was discovered missing by a keeper during early morning rounds on Monday. Surveillance video shows one person entering and leaving the Zoo early Monday morning. There were also signs of forced entry at ‘Kali’s’ enclosure.

“Our entire Zoo family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of community support. Thank you to everyone who played a role in bringing ‘Kali’ home safely.”

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