Marmoset rescued from London bus rehomed at Essex sanctuary
Found on route 302 on 17 July, the animal was taken to a depot, collected by the RSPCA and now lives with a male companion after quarantine.
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A small primate was discovered inside a concealed cage on a London bus on 17 July. The Romford Recorder reported that a passenger asked the driver for help moving a large bag, which led to the animal’s noisy escape. The driver drove the bus to the depot and handed the cage to RSPCA officers, who took charge of the rescue.
How the rescue unfolded
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RSPCA officers placed the marmoset in a temporary hold while they investigated the circumstances of its abandonment. Clare Dew, London chief inspector for the charity, said the force is still seeking anyone who saw the animal board the bus with a laundry bag. She added that the reference for the appeal is 1857303 and the contact number is 0300 123 8018.
RSPCA involvement
After the initial assessment, the RSPCA transferred the animal to Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Essex. The sanctuary cares for close to 700 animals, including five other marmosets. Lianne Angliss, general manager at Hopefield, explained the next steps for the rescued primate.
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Nibbles is very timid and quite shy so we’re working on building up her confidence and teaching her to come to us for food so we can carry out regular checks on her and make sure she’s happy and healthy.
Lianne Angliss, General Manager, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Future at Hopefield
Hopefield plans to introduce Nibbles to Loki, a lone male marmoset, once her quarantine period ends. Angliss said the pair’s interaction is expected to help Nibbles become more outgoing. The sanctuary will continue to monitor her health and socialisation as part of the rehoming process.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to the marmoset found on the bus?
The primate was discovered inside a hidden cage on a London bus on 17 July. The driver took the animal to the depot, where RSPCA officers collected it and placed it in temporary care before moving it to a sanctuary.
+Where is the rescued marmoset now?
The animal, renamed Nibbles, has been rehomed at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Essex. The sanctuary cares for around 700 animals and intends to introduce her to a male marmoset named Loki after her quarantine period.
+How can the public help the RSPCA investigation?
The RSPCA asks anyone who was on route 302 on the morning of 17 July, or who saw someone board with a laundry bag, to call 0300 123 8018 and quote reference 1857303. Information may assist the inquiry.
+When will Nibbles meet the male marmoset at the sanctuary?
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary plans to introduce Nibbles to Loki once she completes her quarantine. The exact date has not been announced, but the sanctuary will arrange the meeting as soon as the health checks are finished.
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