It was a busy morning yesterday for staff at Wellington Zoo, after intruders armed with bolt cutters broke into the Tamarin Monkey habitat and attempted to make off with some Squirrel Monkeys.
It was thought a female Squirrel Monkey was stolen but she was later found hiding, believed to be scared by the intruders.
Police are investigating after bolt cutters were used to enter the Tamarin enclosure.
The would-be-thieves then entered the Squirrel Monkey enclosure through an internal door.
Two monkeys were injured, staff say they believe the intruders tried to grab them. There is no CCTV footage available in the area.
Wellington Zoo Chief Executive Karen Fifield believes they will have monkey bites on them, as the monkeys fought back.
All the Squirrel Monkeys and Tamarins will be checked for injuries over the coming days.
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