Marmoset Rescued From London Home After Being Kept Alone in a Bird Cage

A small monkey has been rescued from a home in south London after authorities discovered it living alone inside a bird cage.

The common marmoset was found at a property in the Greenwich area after a concerned resident reported worries about the animal’s welfare. Greenwich Council and the City of London Corporation then worked together to investigate the situation.

Monkey Found in an Unsuitable Cage

When animal welfare officers visited the property, they found the marmoset living inside a bird cage that was not suitable for the species.

The monkey was also being fed an inappropriate diet and was being kept alone. Marmosets are highly social animals and normally live in groups in the wild, making isolation particularly unsuitable for them.

Officers Return to Remove the Animal

After the initial investigation, officers returned to the property alongside animal welfare and licensing teams, the RSPCA and the Metropolitan Police.

The owner agreed to voluntarily give up the marmoset. The animal was then removed from the home and transferred to a specialist facility where it could receive veterinary care.

A New Home With Other Marmosets

The monkey is expected to receive treatment before being moved to a wildlife park, where it will be able to live alongside other marmosets.

The case also highlighted the special requirements involved in keeping primates. Unlike ordinary domestic pets, marmosets have complex social and environmental needs that can be difficult to meet in a private home.

Why the Rescue Matters

The rescue began with a report from a member of the public who noticed that something was wrong. That report allowed animal welfare officers to investigate and eventually remove the monkey from an unsuitable environment.

The rescued marmoset now has the opportunity to receive professional care and, eventually, live with other members of its species.

Sources

• The Standard — “Monkey rescued from London home after it was found in bird cage” — October 1, 2026.
• AOL UK — “Monkey rescued from London home after it was found in bird cage” — October 1, 2026.
• Greenwich Council — Information cited in reports about the animal welfare rescue.