A mysterious marmoset monkey that wandered into a woman’s conservatory is now under the care of an animal rescue center.
The volunteer team at Wings and Paws received a call earlier this month from a woman in Wolverhampton reporting a wild animal in her house.
“At first, we thought it was just a squirrel based on her description,” said volunteer Gemma Warner.
Upon arrival, the team was surprised to find a monkey perched on a countertop, said Gemma Warner, a volunteer with the organization.
They have since named the marmoset Marcel and have been charmed by his gentle demeanor, according to reports.
Ms. Warner described Marcel as exceptionally friendly, often sitting on volunteers’ laps and grooming their hair in a bid to forge connections.
His docile behavior suggests he was a pet rather than a zoo animal, and his owners likely abandoned or released him when he became unwanted, she added.
The woman who contacted the center had spotted Marcel in her garden in the days leading up to his appearance in her home.
Marmosets are indigenous to South America, and while it is legal to keep them as pets in the UK, the RSPCA advises against it due to their need for a warm climate and ample stimulation.
Despite efforts to locate Marcel’s owners, none have stepped forward, prompting Wings and Paws to explore long-term housing options. Ms. Warner mentioned the possibility of constructing a specialized enclosure to accommodate Marcel or identifying another center better equipped to care for him.
“We don’t want him to become another pet confined to a cage,” Ms. Warner emphasized.