Monkey Stolen From Zoo



Banana Sam before he got stolen



Banana Sam, a male Squirrel Monkey, was stolen from San Francisco Zoo. On Thursday night, two guards were patrolling the 100 acre zoo when a man stole Banana Sam. San Francisco Zoo has doubled the security to prevent the burglars from entering again. The other 17 Squirrel Monkeys are held indoors for prevention of loss. Banana Sam was 17 years old, one of the oldest in the group. It is illegal to own a Squirrel Monkey as a pet in California, but it is not true in all states. There are many pet traders who take Squirrel Monkeys. They would probably sell Banana Sam since Squirrel Monkeys cost from $100- a few thousand dollars. The thieves had cut through a back perimeter gate. They then cut through the mesh surrounding the monkey exhibit and stole Banana Sam. Zookeepers are hoping the robbers will reconsider keeping the Squirrel Monkey and return Banana Sam. squirrel Monkeys have large teeth, and they will bite. The good thing is that Banana Sam has a microchip implant so the zookeepers can identify him. San Francisco Zoo has dealt with animal robberies before. Two teenagers were caught stealing a Koala to impress their girlfriend. A reward of $5000 will be given to the person who finds and brings back Banana Sam to San Francisco Zoo.