A Rialto Police Department animal control officer responded to a call earlier today involving a complaint about two loud macaws. There was also a possibility the property owners were keeping a monkey at the home. Officer Wendy Ramirez confirmed a monkey was being kept at the property and the owner did not have a permit to have such an exotic animal and surrendered it to her.
We should note here that the city of Rialto contracts with Riverside County Animal Services for sheltering services. The city has its own officers.
The monkey is a 4-year-old black-capped capuchin. “Junior” is now en route to one a Phelan-based sanctuary that is approved by the state Department of Fish & Wildlife to care for such animals.
A short news release will be sent in just a bit with some video footage. The video footage will feature some clips of the monkey, some quotes from Officer Ramirez and some quotes from the man who came to take the monkey to the sanctuary.
Meanwhile, please see the attached clip and a few pictures.
