The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) rescued a three-month-old rhesus monkey that a San Juan resident was keeping as a pet, according to Lieutenant Ángel Atienza, director of the Exotic Species Detention Center in Arecibo. This is the sixth monkey rescue in the San Juan area this year. Atienza warned that these monkeys can carry a deadly disease called herpes B and that possessing them is prohibited by state and federal laws, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.
However, if someone voluntarily surrenders a monkey, they will not be fined. Atienza urged people to report monkey possession to the DRNA at 787-999-2200, extension 2911, and to not support the illegal trade of these animals. The monkey was rescued by vigilante Richard Maldonado.
Atienza explained that people often capture baby monkeys from a small population in Sabana Seca or the western part of the country, and use them for taking photos or selling them, which is illegal.