Banana-Sam, Adorable Squirrel Monkey, Stolen from S.F. Zoo

Did we mention he's on a special diet?

​The San Francisco Zoo is scrambling to track down the person or people who brazenly stole an adult squirrel monkey from the zoo overnight.

According to Tanya Peterson, executive director of the zoo, the monkey thieves cut through the outside gate of the zoo, then cut the mesh of the squirrel monkey exhibit, where they snatched 17-year-old Banana-Sam.

While he's darn adorable (standing only about a foot high), zoo officials warned that the 2-pound furry primate can be prickly when provoked. He's got some sharp teeth that he's not shy about using, according to the zoo.

So why would someone want to steal this little monkey? Peterson notes that the squirrel monkey, which is illegal to own as a pet, is high on the exotic animal trade list. "It's not entirely surprising," Peterson told SF Weekly. "They are profitable on the exotic pet trade list, so either someone wanted it for a pet or they are just seeking profit."

But staffers are not taking this lightly. Zoo officials rescued Banana-Sam over a year ago from a research facility, and have grown attached to him ever since. Staff members, who are very protective of Banana-Sam, are very upset, Peterson said.

"He's one of the older guys," Peterson noted. "They named him."

Peterson issued a press release shortly after officials found Banana-Sam missing sometime around 8 a.m. on Friday. "We are just hoping for a safe return -- no questions asked," Peterson told us.

Anyone with information regarding the stolen animal is asked to please contact the S.F. Police Department at 553-8090.

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