Is that a Monkey in Your Pocket, or are You Just Happy to See Me

Photo courtesy of the Mexico Public Safety Department/AP.

It’s a monkey.

According to a report I read on CNN.com yesterday, a man was caught trying to smuggle  18 (18!) titi monkeys through a Mexican airport this week after authorities noted a “bulge” underneath his clothes, which led to a subsequent search. Um, no thank you.

Roberto Sol Cabrera Zavaleta, 38, was reportedly traveling from Lima, Peru, and initially hid the monkeys in his suitcase. CNN reports that the monkeys were transferred to the belt-area of his pants because Cabrera did not want the monkeys to be “harmed by X-ray machines at the airport.” CNN also reports that titi monkeys are endangered, and therefore handlers require a permit to be in possession of them.

Cabrera told authorities that he purchased the monkeys for $30. Only 16 survived the trip. That’s monkey torture, right? Where is PETA?!