Israeli police rescued a monkey that was being illegally kept inside a cage at a private home in southern Israel over the weekend, arresting a man in his 30s on suspicion of illegally possessing and trafficking protected wildlife.

Police from the Ayarot station, together with Border Police officers and other enforcement personnel, carried out an operation at the suspect’s home in Moshav Berekhya, near Ashkelon.

During a search of the property, officers discovered a green monkey being held inside a cage in violation of Israeli law.

Police removed the monkey from the property and handed it over to inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. It was later transferred to the Israeli Primate Sanctuary, where it will undergo medical examinations and receive further care.

The homeowner was arrested and questioned on suspicion of illegally trading and possessing a protected wild animal. He was later released under restrictive conditions.

Police and the Nature and Parks Authority stressed that privately keeping monkeys is prohibited in Israel, warning that captivity can cause serious harm to the animals because of their complex physical and social needs.

Authorities said they will continue working together to combat the illegal trade and possession of protected wildlife.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)