Stolen monkeys found during raids

Jazz and Captain Jack were recovered during the raids

Four of the five monkeys stolen from Drusillas Zoo in East Sussex have been found 11 days after they were taken.

The marmosets were among 18 monkeys discovered during morning raids at two properties in Tunstall, Staffordshire.

Two men, both 35, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and handling stolen property.

The marmosets were said to be in a poor condition. The other stolen monkeys are believed to be from zoos in Devon and Cambridgeshire.

Their condition is not 100% and this highlights the special care and expertise required to properly care for these animals Insp Bob Brown

Geoffroy's marmosets, Calli and Cartman, and silvery marmosets, Jazz and Captain Jack, were identified by the microchips Drusillas place in the majority of their animals.

The fifth marmoset called Larkin, a seven-week-old silvery marmoset, was not recovered.

Claire Peters, spokeswoman for Drusillas Zoo, near Alfriston, said: "We can only assume that he did not survive."

The monkeys were recovered as part of a joint operation between Sussex and Staffordshire police forces.

Raids carried out

They were also accompanied by officials from Drusillas.

Sussex Police said the raids were carried out at about 0800 BST on Thursday.

Insp Bob Brown, from Sussex Police, said: "Luckily the marmosets from Drusillas have been found only 11 days after they were taken.

"However their condition is not 100% and this highlights the special care and expertise required to properly care for these animals which should not be considered as pets."