Rescue and conditions of the primate
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa) secured a saraguato monkey in Quintana Roo after a citizen complaint alerted about its poor condition. The specimen, also known as a howler monkey, remained tied with a bib to a block in a home in Othón P. Blanco.
The animal had no space to protect itself from the sun or rain. It also did not have a drinking fountain or container to feed itself. During the inspection, Profepa personnel confirmed that the monkey could not move and was in “poor condition.”
The environmental authority indicated that these conditions violate the dignified and respectful treatment required by the General Wildlife Law. It is worth remembering that this species is listed in danger of extinction according to NOM-059-Semarnat-2010, so its care is a priority.
According to the person inspected, the primate was stolen from its habitat after being found with injuries and possible scabies by a worker in sugarcane crops. He took it to the home to recover it, although it was not detailed whether there will be sanctions for the conditions in which it was found.
“The conditions in which the primate was found constitute a lack of dignified and respectful treatment in accordance with Chapter VI of the General Wildlife Law,” indicated Profepa.
With the support of the Othón P. Blanco City Council, the monkey was transferred to the Payo Obispo Zoological Park. There he will receive temporary shelter and adequate care while his condition is evaluated and his final location is defined.
The Attorney General’s Office reiterated the call to citizens to report any sightings of primates. Likewise, he recalled that the Non-Human Primate Care Protocol has been active for almost a month due to the increase in temperatures and natural phenomena that could affect them.
