The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)

Monkeys found in bird cage find new home at Fife Zoo

- POPPY WATSON

Three pet monkeys discovered in a “horrendous” parrot cage by an animal rescue charity have found a new home at Fife Zoo.

The trio of marmosets – Mama and her offspring Mila and Mycroft – were found in the “appalling conditions” by Aberdeensh­ire charity The New Arc.

It is believed that at one point as many as six monkeys were kept in the cage – which experts say lacked space and heating.

But the family have since been adopted by Fife Zoo near Ladybank – and are now free to roam around a new enclosure.

The monkeys, who are more familiar with the warm climate of their natural habitat in Brazil, also have access to a heated area.

Following a period of rehabilita­tion, the monkeys are now on display to the public in the zoo’s South America section.

Mike Knight, director of Fife Zoo, said: “The three marmosets have had a terrible start to life and were rescued from horrendous conditions.

“Exotic animals such as marmosets do not make good pets and require specialist care to maintain their overall health and wellbeing.

“When we received the call from The New Arc, we were keen to offer our support and it was fortunate that we had the facilities available to provide the marmosets with a new home.

“The marmosets have a forever home here at the zoo and we will provide them with everything they need to have the best possible quality of life.”

Mike says the zoo is undergoing “extensive redevelopm­ent” with plans for red pandas, bamboo lemurs and tamarins to take up homes at the attraction.

It comes after an extended zebra enclosure and walk-through African aviary were added to the zoo earlier this year.

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 ?? ?? CRAMPED: Mama, Mila and Mycroft have moved into Fife Zoo after being found in a parrot cage, pictured below.
CRAMPED: Mama, Mila and Mycroft have moved into Fife Zoo after being found in a parrot cage, pictured below.

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