Monkey mate murdered, Mia is M.I.A

published by Asianpost on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 17:40

By Devon Moriarty

Murder. Kidnap.

Two words never associated with the Vancouver Zoo. Until now, that is.

On the morning of May 7, Mia, a 17-year-old spider monkey was kidnapped.

Her life long mate, Jocko, another 17-year-old spider monkey, was brutally killed.

"We believe Jocko was defending both his mate and his home, when someone cut open their outdoor enclosure with bolt cutters in the middle of the night," says Jody Henderson, marketing and promotions manager for the Vancouver Zoo. "Preliminary findings from the necropsy indicate a skull fracture."

Although there have been some leads in the crime, none have panned out and Mia remains Missing in Action.

"It is hard for us to wrap our minds around why someone would do this," says Henderson.

Mia is believed to be in certain danger.

"An average person with no expertise in this area could actually damage her for the rest of her life." says Henderson. "When she is back, safe at home, she will need to undergo extensive therapy and we will need to find her an appropriate mate, not all monkey’s get along."

In addition to Mia’s special diet, she needs special care and attention in order to keep her smart little monkey life enriched.

Senior Animal Keeper Cindy Hulst has spent the last 12 years taking care of Jocko and Mia.

"It had become one of the most rewarding parts of my life," says Hulst. "Now I dread looking at their empty enclosure and it makes me very sad to imagine where Mia might be, and for what happened to Jocko."

There are two tips being investigated. The reward for Mia’s safe return now stands at more than $10,000.

"We are urging the public if you know anything at all to call the RCMP at 604-532-3200 or the Zoo at 604-856-6825 immediately," says Henderson. "All calls will be kept confidential."

"I miss them both with all my heart," says Hulst. "I really wish whoever has her would bring her back home."