Zoo break-in leaves monkey dead, one missing

Mia, the spider monkey, has been reported missing from Greater Vancouver Zoo. (Undated photo. Greater Vancouver Zoo for ctvbc.ca)

Police in Langley are searching for a suspect who may have killed a resident monkey after breaking into an enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, earlyWednesday.

Zoo spokesperson Jodi Henderson says the dead spider monkey was a 15-year-old male, called Jocko. Mia, his 17-year-old mate, is missing.

But Henderson says she isn't sure if Mia has been stolen or if she escaped during the incident.

Henderson says zoo officials don't who is behind the break-in and they are appealing for help in finding the missing monkey. Mia is described as brown, approximately 45 centimeters tall, and has a long tail and steel-blue eyes.

If Mia is spotted, Henderson says she should not be picked up because she's likely very agitated and has sharp teeth.

It is believed Jocko would have attempted to defend the female monkey, resulting in an injury to the unknown suspect(s). The two monkeys were mates for 15 years.

Police say it is still unclear how entry was gained into the zoo.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200 or Crimestoppers.