Stolen monkeys found

Two men have been charged in connection with the theft of three monkeys from Symbio wildlife park at Stanwell Tops.

Officers were called to the wildlife park on Lawrence Hargrave Drive about 8am  on Saturday after staff discovered the monkeys were missing.

The three Pygmy Marmoset monkeys including an adult male, a female juvenile and a four-week-old baby were taken from their enclosure after entry was forced.

Following extensive appeals and inquiries, a call to Crime Stoppers led police to stop a vehicle in Appin about 3pm on Sunday.

Police spoke a 23-year-old man and a 26-year-old man who were in the vehicle, before a search resulted in police locating the baby monkey alive in the car.
The pair was arrested and taken to Campbelltown Police.

The 23-year-old man from Campbelltown was charged with dealing with proceeds of crime.

The 26-year-old man from Woodbine was charged was also charged with dealing with proceeds of crime.

Both men were bail refused to appear before Campbelltown Local Court today (Monday).

Following extensive inquiries by Wollongong police a second monkey was found on Sunday evening in the Campbelltown area.

Both monkeys have been returned to the wildlife park for further examination and care.
The whereabouts of the remaining monkey is still unknown and police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. Information can be provided anonymously.