Photos: Seized marmoset monkey being cared for at Oakland Zoo
(KRON) — A female marmoset monkey that was seized after being illegally owned as a pet is being cared for at the Oakland Zoo. The marmoset, which is named “Estrela,” was rescued on Jan. 20 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Wildlife Confiscation Network, the zoo said on Tuesday.
The marmoset was seized from a private residence in Southern California. Estrela’s owner was arrested on other charges unrelated to having the female marmoset and was made aware in advance that the animal was to be seized by authorities, zoo officials said.
Oakland Zoo was contacted after other zoos, including the San Diego Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, couldn’t take Estrela in due to capacity concerns.
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Estrela was given her name after the Portuguese name for the species mico-estrela and for the star-shaped fur spot on her forehead, zoo officials said. Marmosets are native to South America and commonly found in Brazil.
The monkey is currently being cared for at the zoo’s veterinary hospital. According to zoo officials, Estrela underwent an extensive and thorough exam under anesthesia to test for TB, SIV (primate version of HIV) and rabies.
During the exam, vets found evidence of a pre-existing fracture in her left radius and ulna. This was likely due to trauma experienced during her private ownership, zoo officials said. Estrela’s previous owners kept her in a large birdcage, “which is not suitable housing for monkeys and their movements or behavior,” zoo officials said.
This likely led to her accidentally injuring herself.
“In all likelihood, this injury is from the animal being housed inappropriately. The bones had healed but were malaligned, which can impact her movement. She appears to be compensating well, but we continue to watch her mobility closely,” said Dr. Ryan Sadler, senior veterinarian at Oakland Zoo.
Estrela is to remain at the zoo in the veterinary hospital until she’s completed her quarantine period. She will then be moved to her forever home at the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Texas.
In the meantime, zoo officials say veterinary hospital keepers are occupying Estrela with puzzle feeders and foraging toys and providing her with audio-video stimulation through music and videos.
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