In a shocking incident, a couple from Colombia attempted to smuggle three baby monkeys into the Dominican Republic by concealing them in their underwear. Tragically, one of the monkeys, overwhelmed by the ordeal, did not survive.
The couple, a 27-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man who have not been named, were apprehended at Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport. Authorities were alarmed to find two white-faced capuchins and a howler monkey hidden in their underwear, as reported by local police and The US Sun.
While the capuchins endured the harrowing journey, the howler monkey succumbed, likely due to suffocation. Brigadier General Gelver Yecid Peña Araque of the Cartagena police expressed his outrage, describing the act as “absolute cruelty” and a blatant breach of animal rights. “The animal died in conditions that we can only describe as inhumane,” he said.
Disturbing footage reveals the surviving capuchins clinging to a teddy bear and a towel, seeking comfort after their traumatic experience. Wildlife officials, who have since taken charge of the monkeys, are shown in other videos providing care and nourishment to the frightened animals.
“The animal died in conditions that we can only describe as inhumane.”
Harrowing footage showed the two surviving primates sleeping while clinging to a teddy bear and a towel. Other clips captured wildlife officials, who took custody of the scared animals, feeding and caring for the tiny capuchins.
Another snap released by police showed the sick couple, of La Jagua de Ibirico, standing beside two officers, with their heads bowed and hands cuffed behind their backs after their shocking arrest.
The monkeys – reportedly worth over $1.4 million on the global black market – were seen laid out on a table in front of the deranged pair.
The duo were each charged with illegal exploitation of natural resources and wildlife trafficking, according to the outlet.
They face up to 11 years behind bars if convicted.
