Managers of a zoo north of Brisbane say a rare and tiny primate that was targeted by thieves could still be in the local area.
It is believed thieves broke into the Alma Park Zoo overnight on Saturday and tried to steal a male and a female cotton-top tamarin.
The male animal's body was found nearby yesterday afternoon after it appears to have escaped capture.
Zoo manager Gary Connell says the female tamarin, Conchetta, who is heavily pregnant, could still be on the loose nearby.
"What we expect with the cold, wet weather, if they are in suburbia, they will go to somewhere fairly high and dry and try to find a secluded area," he said.
"They're only a little animal, much sort of the size of a big rodent, and they will sort of try to curl up and keep warm."
Mr Cole said yesterday he was still holding out hope she would be returned alive, but she would not survive long outside of the zoo.
"Where the male was found wasn't that far from the zoo, it's a housing estate that has a public park between the zoo and the estate, so the male has obviously gone that way," he said.
"Whether the female has gone with him or whether she's been taken by the people who have broken in, we don't know."
Male found dead
Mr Connell said yesterday the owner of a property phoned Alma Park to report their dog had found a strange looking animal in their yard.
"We went across with the curator and it was our male tamarin - unfortunately it was dead, it had been dead for a little while," he said.
"We're not convinced the dog has killed it, but the dog has actually found it and highlighted it to the owners.
"It's obvious that the male has been grabbed by whoever tried to take him, he had big bald patches on the back of him.
"Whoever tried to catch him him hasn't been aware of how to handle primates, pulled out a lot of his fur, and I say that could have been what caused the death."
Appeal
He called on whoever took the tamarins to return her to their local vet or RSPCA.
"All we're concerned about is the welfare of this female tamarin - please, you're not going to be able to keep it long-term as a pet," he said.
"The best thing you can do is get back to a vet or RSPCA, drop it in a box somewhere it can be secured and looked after.
"It's a really highly endangered animal and we plead with you to do the right thing."
