Zoo spokeswoman Jody Henderson told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. the zoo's staff found Jocko dead and Mia missing. Both simians were 17 years old and had lived at the zoo for about 15 years, the CBC said.

"We are absolutely devastated," Henderson said. "They are our family. We are all extremely attached. It's shocking anyone would do this."

It appeared whoever was responsible had cut through the spider monkey exhibit's fence Tuesday night. Zoo officials said they are assuming the female monkey was taken but noted it was possible it could have escaped on its own through the hole in the fence.

The zoo is asking the public for any information that might lead to the crime being solved, the CBC said.

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