Monkey in Wolverhampton injured due to unsuitable living conditions

A monkey discovered in a Wolverhampton conservatory was found to have rickets, a distorted spine and hips, and half his tail missing. Marcel, a Geoffroy’s marmoset, was rescued after a woman found the mystery monkey in her house. The primate, believed to be an escaped pet, has now been rehomed to Monkey World ape rescue center in Wareham, Dorset.

Upon arrival at Monkey World, Marcel was immediately given vitamin D3 as the primate care staff noticed he had rickets. He was also provided with a correct diet to combat the effects of a poor pet trade environment and diet on the South American primate. Monkey World has rescued over 130 primates from the UK pet trade, campaigning for laws to protect marmosets and other monkeys.

A spokesperson for Monkey World emphasized the need for specialist care for marmosets, stating that they are intelligent, social wild animals that suffer in solitary confinement in the pet trade. The organization successfully campaigned for legislation to ban primates from being kept as pets without a license, which will come into effect in April 2026.

Director of Monkey World, Dr. Alison Cronin, highlighted the importance of providing marmosets like Marcel with the correct diet, environment, and companionship of their own kind. She emphasized that all monkeys in the UK pet trade deserve these basic needs for their well-being. Marcel’s journey from a neglected pet to a cared-for primate at Monkey World serves as a reminder of the importance of proper care and conservation efforts for these vulnerable animals.