A surprising incident unfolded last Friday as a bus driver in London’s Kensal Rise came across an abandoned monkey on his bus. The driver was assisting a mother with a pram when he discovered the unexpected passenger inside a laundry bag in the luggage bay.
Upon hearing chirping sounds emanating from the bag, the driver promptly canceled his service and returned to the bus depot in Willesden to address the situation. The monkey, identified as a female common marmoset, was found inside a concealed metal bird cage wrapped in a plastic laundry bag.
The RSPCA was notified, and they took charge of the marmoset for proper care after its bus journey. The monkey, named ‘Oyster,’ is now settling into a sanctuary equipped to cater to primates, where she will soon be introduced to a male companion.
Authorities suspect the abandonment may be linked to new regulations requiring licenses for primates in England. Despite initial stress and dehydration, ‘Oyster’ received a clean bill of health from a vet. The RSPCA is conducting an investigation and urges anyone with information to contact the appeal line.
The kind efforts of the bus driver and Metroline team were commended by RSPCA London chief inspector Claire Dew, who expressed gratitude for their assistance in caring for the monkey. ‘Oyster’ is adapting well to her new environment and is anticipated to thrive with experienced keepers and companionship.
