2026-07-22 12:05:11

A monkey has been found abandoned in a laundry bag on a London bus.

The female common marmoset was discovered last week on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise, and an expert has suggested that it could be the “first of many” abandonments following a recent change in legislation.

RSPCA London chief investigator Clare Dew, who is leading its probe, explained: “It was clearly intentional.

“This is clearly a direct result of the new legislation and is something we feared would happen. I’d be surprised if it’s the last primate we see being dumped.”

In April, a change in legislation dictated that all primates kept in England must be licensed. But it’s feared that the changes could now lead to a wave of abandonments.

Speaking about the first case, Dew explained: “She’d been left with some apple but was, understandably, very stressed and dehydrated.”

Despite this, Oyster is now living in a sanctuary with specialist primate facilities.

Dew said: “In a twist of fate, a sanctuary had been working with us to find a suitable female marmoset to introduce to a lone male they were caring for.”

The RSPCA boss explained that the worrying situation ultimately worked out very well, as another rehoming fell through at the last minute and Oyster was able to fill the void.

Dew also confirmed that Oyster has already “settled in really well” and is now able to live a happy and healthy life.

She said: “We were hoping to transfer one from the north of England but, when that fell through just a few hours before Oyster was rescued, it looked like destiny that Oyster was supposed to go there.

“She’s settled in really well over the weekend, and is eating well, so hopefully she’ll be able to meet her new friend soon. If she isn’t claimed then she’ll remain there with experienced keepers, a wonderful enclosure and company.”

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