One spider monkey was killed and another apparently taken from an exhibit at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, officials said Wednesday.

Staff told CBC News that someone cut through the fence of the spider monkey exhibit Tuesday night, killing the male named Jocko and apparently removing the female Mia.

"We can't find our female anywhere, and so we are assuming at this stage that she is gone with them," said zoo spokeswoman Jody Henderson.

The zoo was appealing to the public for help.

"We need to find our female and find out who are these cruel individuals who would do such an awful thing," said Henderson. [link to www.cbc.ca]

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