The common marmoset was discovered on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise shortly before 11.45am on Friday morning (July 17) and was given the name ‘Oyster’ in honour of her discovery on a London bus
A London bus driver was left with no choice but to return to the depot after finding a frightened monkey that had been left behind by its owner. The common marmoset was spotted on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise just before 11.45am on Friday morning (July 17).
According to the RSPCA, a mother reportedly boarded the bus with her pushchair but was unable to navigate down the aisle as a laundry bag was protruding from the luggage bay. When the driver stepped in to help and began moving the bag aside, the monkey started chirping and leaping about.
The driver then peered inside the bag to discover an abandoned monkey, prompting their decision to head back to the depot in Willesden and contact the RSPCA.
Claire Dew, RSPCA London chief inspector, said: “The monkey – a female common marmoset – was inside a small, white, metal bird cage which had been wrapped inside a plastic, chequered laundry bag, with handles, so was well concealed. She’d been left with some apple but was, understandably, very stressed and dehydrated.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to the bus driver and the team at Metroline who stayed calm, took the monkey back to their station, put her somewhere dark and cool, to keep her calm, and contacted us for help. They’ve been incredibly helpful and are now assisting with our enquiries so we can trace the person responsible for dumping her.
“No one noticed anything unusual on the bus before the monkey was discovered but we’ll be looking at CCTV and the logs for scanning on and off the bus to see if we can locate the person who left her onboard.”
Wildlife campaigners believe the abandonment is a direct response to new legislation requiring all primates kept in England to be licensed. The marmoset was examined by a specialist exotic animal vet, and thankfully received a clean bill of health, reports MyLondon.
She has since been affectionately named ‘Oyster’, in tribute to her discovery aboard a London bus, and is now settling into her new home at a primate sanctuary equipped with specialist facilities. She will soon be introduced to a male companion who had been seeking a friend.
Chief Inspector Dew added: “In a twist of fate, a sanctuary had been working with us to find a suitable female marmoset to introduce to a lone male they were caring for. We were hoping to transfer one from the north of England but, when that fell through just a few hours before Oyster was rescued, it looked like destiny that Oyster was supposed to go there.
“She’s settled in really well over the weekend, and is eating well, so hopefully she’ll be able to meet her new friend soon. If she isn’t claimed then she’ll remain there with experienced keepers, a wonderful enclosure and company.”
The RSPCA has launched an investigation and is urging anyone who may have witnessed somebody boarding the bus carrying the laundry bag to come forward by calling their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
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