Surrey woman donates paycheque for missing monkey
A Surrey woman is chipping in $2,000 to help the Greater Vancouver Zoo recover a female spider monkey that went missing last week.
Karen, who didn't want to give her last name, has added to the $5,000 put forward by a Coquitlam couple.
"I basically cashed my paycheque," Karen told The Leader Wednesday.
The money will go to anyone who returns Mia unharmed.
The Aldergrove zoo has also put up $3,000 for any information leading to the safe return of the monkey and is accepting donations to cover the expense. Donations can be made at any Vancity bank, branch 23 and account #251132.
Mia's mate, Jocko, was killed during a break and enter, which occurred overnight May 6-7. A memorial was held for him at the zoo on Sunday.
Mia went missing and is presumed stolen. Karen said she believes if there's a good reason for the kidnappers to bring the monkey back, they will. Police have said Mia could be sold on the black market for about $5,000.
"When I heard about this, I just started to think about when someone broke into my car and stole my GPS and my dog," she said. "I can afford at least $2,000, and being an animal lover, I though it'd be a better chance to get the monkey back."
When Karen's pug was stolen last year, she put up a $5,000 reward and hung posters. Three weeks later, the dog was returned, and Karen asked no questions.
Mia is described as 1'6" tall with dark brown and black fur, with a golden colour on her chest and stomach. The zoo has advised that anyone who sees Mia shouldn't approach her, but should call the RCMP or the zoo immediately.
cmacbride@surreyleader.com
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