Monkey seized in IKEA parking garage

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TORONTO, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Authorities in Toronto said they seized a small monkey spotted wandering in a fitted faux-shearling coat and diapers in an IKEA parking lot.

Store manager Alvaro Carmona and shoppers said the monkey, later identified as a rhesus macaque, was first spotted in the parking garage around 2 p.m. Sunday and security guards were able to corner the animal before it could get into the store, the Toronto Star reported Monday.

Animal Services, which took custody of the primate, said rhesus macaques are illegal in Ontario. The owner, who turned himself in to Animal Services just after 5 p.m., was charged with owning a prohibited animal, which carries a $200 fine.

Authorities said the monkey, which apparently escaped from its owner's car in the garage, is likely to find a new home at a sanctuary.

"The monkey was in a bit of shock, but it's calmed down now that we've been feeding it some grapes," an Animal Services representative said.