Lorraine Williamson
The Guardia Civil has successfully located and rescued two endangered Gibraltar monkeys, known as Macaca sylvanus, found confined in poor conditions in a private residence’s patio in Granada.
The owner, a 56-year-old man, is under investigation for crimes against wildlife and animal cruelty.
Discovery and investigation
The case came to light following a tip-off received by the Guardia Civil’s citizen assistance office. The informant reported the presence of two caged Macaca sylvanus monkeys in the patio of a Granada home. In response, the Nature Protection Team (EPRONA) from the Granada Command launched an investigation to verify the claims.
EPRONA agents confirmed the presence of the two monkeys in the described location. The Macaca sylvanus species is protected under Appendix I of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which affords them the highest level of protection. Private ownership of these animals is strictly prohibited.
Conditions and immediate actions
EPRONA contacted the AAP Primadomus Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of exotic mammals, requesting their assistance. Veterinarians from the foundation accompanied the agents to the site and documented severe animal welfare violations. The monkeys, one male and one female, were housed in rusty cages with sharp protrusions. They lacked continuous access to water, and had no shelter from adverse weather conditions. They exhibited signs of long-term neglect, including malnutrition, alopecia, dental issues, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases.
The experts also noted the public health risks posed by these primates, which can transmit diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, and herpesvirus. Without regular veterinary checks, which the monkeys had not received in over fifteen years, their captivity was a significant health hazard.
Rescue and rehabilitation
The Guardia Civil seized the animals, and the AAP Primadomus Foundation has assumed responsibility for their care and rehabilitation. While the monkeys are now in a safer environment, they remain under the jurisdiction of the court handling the case.
Ongoing legal proceedings
The owner faces serious charges, including violations of wildlife protection laws and continuous animal cruelty. These charges reflect both the illegal possession of protected species and the neglectful treatment of the animals over an extended period.