A Costa Rica male surnamed Morales (39) was detained by police officers from the Ministry of Public Security's Orotina Canton station in Alajuela Province for keeping at least 15 Tití monkeys captive.

The Tití monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus), also known as the gray-crowned red-backed squirrel monkey, is the smallest primate in Costa Rica. This monkey species lives mainly on the Central Pacific Coast. They have been listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

The investigation began last Thursday when police received an anonymous complaint about a man carrying a box full of monkeys in a restaurant parking area.

Responding to the tip, the police found the individual who maintained at least 15 primates captive.

"Among the animals found, there were mothers with their infants," the police reported.

Officers worked with specialists from the National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac) to rescue primates.

On Sunday, the monkeys were taken to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Alajuela, where vets conducted medical checks to evaluate their condition.

The suspect was transferred to the Public Ministry's cells and is awaiting a judge's orders on pre-trial measures against him as suspected of maintaining and trading wild species.

Hunting wild animals, trading or keeping them captive is illegal in Costa Rica. People found guilty of keeping wild species in captivity may face a fine ranging from $600 to $26,000 or potentially a one to three-year jail sentence under Wildlife Conservation Law No.7317.

A similar case happened in May when agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization took into custody a man on suspicion of keeping and trafficking Emu birds and black river turtles.

Authorities stated that anyone can lodge anonymous complaints about wild animals that have been hunted or kept in captivity by calling the confidential bilingual 10-digit tip line at 800-8000-645.

---------------
What have you heard from people who keep wild animals in captivity in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com