B.C. zoo plans memorial for monkey killed during theft

The Greater Vancouver Zoo in Langley will be holding a memorial ceremony for Jocko, a spider monkey that was killed when thieves broke into a cage with bolt cutters on Tuesday night and likely made off with his mate, Mia.

The zoo has also announced it is planning to match public donations up to $3,000 and offer the cash as a reward for information leading to Mia's safe return.

A necropsy revealed Jocko died after suffering a fractured skull and internal bleeding during the theft.

The two monkeys, both 17 years old, had been constant companions for more than 15 years, and were quite vocal, zoo spokesman Jody Henderson said Friday.

"It's extremely quiet around here," he said. "We're all finding it extremely quiet and very odd."

Henderson said Friday that Saturday's memorial "will be set up for Jocko at the actual enclosure, and we're going to set up a memory board this afternoon of photos of him."  

Henderson said the zoo had received tips on the theft but so far none have panned out.

Mia is described as about 50 centimetres tall, dark brown in colour, with a golden stomach and chest and steel blue eyes.

Anyone spotting the monkey is warned not to approach it because it may be traumatized, and is asked to call the zoo immediately.