Monkey rescued from Itapema balcony sparks wildlife crime investigation

On 17 June, a capuchin monkey was rescued from a balcony in an apartment building in Itapema, Santa Catarina, after being placed in danger of falling. The rescue was carried out by the Grupo de Operações e Resgate (GOR) with support from the local fire department.

During the operation, the documentation presented by the animal's keepers was seized and sent for examination. Biologists found the certificate of origin to be falsified, prompting a second joint operation on 25 June involving GOR, the Instituto do Meio Ambiente de Santa Catarina (IMA) and the Fundação Ambiental Área Costeira de Itapema (FAACI). The monkey was then seized and placed in a rehabilitation program, with the possibility of later release, sanctuary care, or placement in a zoo.

The keepers now face administrative procedures and could be charged under Brazil’s environmental crimes law for illegal possession, sale, or trade of a wild animal.