Squirrel monkey stolen from zoo

Squirrel monkeys need a special diet and are very territorial

A two-year-old squirrel monkey has been stolen from the zoo at Chessington World of Adventures.

Keepers discovered he was missing early on Monday, when they noticed two fences had been damaged in the new Monkey and Bird Garden walk-through area.

Nine other monkeys were found in or near the enclosure in Surrey.

Sonia Freeman, head of mammals, said the monkey, known as SpongeBob, was a breeding male who had only been at Chessington for three months.

If he is not looked after properly he can become very upset Sonia Freeman, head of mammals

"We are devastated that he is gone as he is a much loved member of the zoo with his cheeky personality," she said.

"However, he is still a wild animal and not a pet.

"If he is not looked after properly he can become very upset. He is also on a very specialised diet and he will be very unhappy and stressed at being separated from his group."

Ms Freeman added that the whole group of squirrel monkeys was "in turmoil" as he was the only breeding male in the group.

Surrey Police are investigating his disappearance, and have warned anyone finding the monkey not to approach him but to call officers immediately.

A reward has been offered to anyone with information leading to the successful return of Spongebob or the arrest of the offenders.