South Korean police intercepted a pair of common marmosets being smuggled into the country from their native Thailand. The babies, which could have sold for about US$6,390 each, are now in the care of Korea’s Institute of Ecology. Just a reminder that exotic animals belong in their native homes, not ours.
Thanks to sender-inner Lisa B.
Good for the Institute!
Poor critters. BTW, the original article title, “Thai Monkeys Enter Korea Illegally,” is weirdly misleading. Makes it sound like these two were out hiking, got lost, and blundered across the border into South Korea without getting their passports stamped. The article clarifies events, but that headline is just agentlessly odd.
Build a wall, dangit!
Yes, or sneaking ashore in an inflatable raft on a moonless night, like tiny secret agents. Darn marmosets, you just can’t count on them for covert ops.
The story is not cute, except for the ending. But the marmosets are very cute indeed. Glad the smugglers were foiled. I wish the marmosets could be repatriated, but at least they’re being well looked after now.
“Marmoset…we’d be rescued by kindly Customs agents!”
I KNOW that kidnapping/smuggling/owning these little guys is a huge no-no, and I’d NEVER do it.
That said… I WANT THEM SO BAD!! Lookit their little teeny monkey faces! Their little teeny monkey hands! Teeny nostrils and chins! Just too damn cute for their own good, literally, unfortunately.
I’m right there with you on both points!!! If they need a new home, I’d be delighted to have them!
You knew it was coming . . . .
I came to the comments because I knew someone would post it. Thanks!
I was disappointed it wasn’t the first post. :p
Would have been very disappointed if someone hadn’t already posted this! Thank you!?
Yeah, we’re going to have to get back to you on the finger-keeping.
I just had a great idea! Caught smugglers should be made to pay the value of their goods to charity. If it’s living beings (animal or human), that money should go towards rehab/repat.
That is a great idea. That would discourage smuggling more than jail time if you hit them in their wallets.
I’m glad for a happy ending but it’s sad to think of these little babies being stolen from their momma.