A rhesus macaque seized by the Civil Guard in a drug trafficking operation in Huelva has been transferred to Mundo Park zoo in Guillena (Sevilla), where it has already been named 'Monarco' and will receive permanent veterinary care.
The Civil Guard, through the Nature Protection Service (Seprona), delivered this Tuesday to Mundo Park zoo in Guillena a rhesus macaque seized during a drug trafficking operation carried out in the province of Huelva. The animal, named 'Monarco', joins the collection of rescued species at the Seville zoo after being confiscated from a criminal organization.
From a drug operation to a new home in Guillena
The specimen, belonging to the species Macaca mulatta, was located by agents during an investigation against a drug trafficking network. According to sources from Seprona, the primate was found in an unsuitable environment for its species, which led to its seizure and subsequent transfer to a specialized centre.
Mundo Park, located in the Sevillian town of Guillena, has been chosen as the destination for 'Monarco' to receive the necessary care. The zoo has informed on its social media that the animal has already undergone an initial veterinary examination and will remain in the facilities permanently, where the best possible conditions will be guaranteed.
The rhesus macaque is native to a wide area of Asia, from Afghanistan to northern India and southern China. Keeping one without authorization constitutes a crime, as well as posing a risk to public health and the animal's welfare, as noted by the zoo.
The Sevillian zoo, a refuge for animals rescued from drug trafficking
'Monarco' is not the first animal to arrive at Mundo Park from drug operations. Just a few weeks ago, a caiman named 'Narcodrilo' was also transferred to the same zoo after being seized in another drug-related operation. Both animals have become part of the Mundo Park facilities after being rescued by security forces.
The arrival of these specimens highlights a reality: the link between drug trafficking and the illegal possession of exotic species. Criminal organizations often resort to wild animals as status symbols or as part of their illicit activities, without regard for the living conditions they provide.
The Sevillian zoo insists that keeping such species without the appropriate authorization can constitute a crime, in addition to the risk it poses for both the welfare of the animals and public health, as they can transmit diseases and require very specific conditions for their care.
A new resident in Guillena with a royal name
The name chosen for the macaque, 'Monarco', is not coincidental. It nods to its origin from a drug-related environment, but also to its status as the king of the jungle, albeit in miniature. The medium-sized primate with brown fur has quickly adapted to its new habitat, according to sources from the centre.
Visitors to Mundo Park will be able to see 'Monarco' in the coming weeks, once veterinarians confirm that its health is optimal and it has completed the quarantine period. The zoo, which opens its doors from Wednesday to Sunday, offers a unique opportunity to get close to this curious animal that has gone from being a drug trafficker's whim to an ambassador of Asian wildlife in the province of Seville.
Meanwhile, the Civil Guard continues investigations to determine the origin of the macaque and whether there are more animals in irregular situations in the hands of the dismantled organization. What is clear is that, at least for 'Monarco', life has taken an unexpected turn: from sharing space with drugs and criminals to becoming the new star of a Sevillian zoo.
