A little monkey was found locked in a cupboard with no food, water or fresh air after police broke up a drug-fueled party in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was found to have missing teeth and was suffering from muscle loss and malnutrition.
Footage circulating on Argentinian news sites shows how the incredibly thin animal could barely walk, and had to pull itself along the floor to move.
Police were contacted after noise complaints at a property in Buenos Aires. When they arrived, they found drugs and the monkey. The NGO Pájaros Caídos, which normally cares for sick birds, was contacted for help and it took in the monkey and has been providing it with veterinary care.
Pájaros Caídos has named the monkey Coco. It has released two videos of Coco on Instagram. The first, published on Tuesday, shows him eating some fruit from a bowl. The NGO said he is currently being looked after by volunteers.
In the second video, the team said that "little by little" Coco's condition was improving. "Coco is constantly being very well cared for, eating a variety of foods and above all receiving a lot of support and affection [...] We are going to heal your soul Coco, it is a promise."
The NGO said more tests should provide a better understanding of his current health condition, which will allow it to provide him with the medical care he needs.
Local news reports say Coco, a carayá monkey (also known as a black howler), is at least 5 years old. Animal abuse charges have been brought against the owners of the house. El Tribuno has reported that cocaine and ketamine was found at the property.
According to El Tribuno, Coco was missing a number of teeth, including his fangs—which are essential for eating the types of food carayá monkeys normally consume. He was suffering from a type of muscle atrophy that affects the mobility of the legs. It will not be possible for Coco to ever return to his natural habitat, the charity said.
The black howler is a species of New World Monkey found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. It is considered near-threatened and its population is currently decreasing, with its biggest threats being habitat loss because of agricultural development.
In Argentina, the illegal pet trade also places pressure on the species. According to Proyecto Carayá, which rehabilitates primates, carayá monkeys are the most legally commercialized mammal in Argentina.
