Monkey dies after defending son from zoo intruders

Death comes less than two months after Vern the capuchin is thought to have fought off a break in

Vern was found unresponsive by staff just under two months after sustaining his injuries (Wright Park Zoo)

A monkey has died suddenly after it was injured attempting to protect its offspring during an alleged break-in at a Kansas zoo.

The tufted capuchin, named Vern, is believed to have been injured as he attempted to stop his son, Pickett, from being taken by intruders on 3 September.

The following day Pickett was found loose within the limits of the city and returned to the zoo, while Vern underwent surgery for broken bones.

Now two months later the 35-year-old monkey has passed away suddenly, according to a spokesperson from the Wright Park Zoo in Dodge City.

A spokesperson added: “Vern was found unresponsive by staff early in the morning, and while the Zoo’s contracted veterinarian did everything they could to revive him, he passed away at the vet clinic.

“The cause of his sudden decline is unknown at this time; however, a necropsy will be done to try and determine the cause”.

An investigation by Dodge City police into the alleged intrusion is still underway. Speaking to US broadcaster 12KWCH, a zoo official added: “Unfortunately, we have not received any information about who caused the injury or how exactly it occurred.

Capuchin numbers are declining in the wild through threats including deforestation, habitat loss, and capture for the pet trade.

With a life span of 45 years they are one of the most common primates seen in the pet trade - with around 100,000 kept across the USA.