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Interpol has been called in to help track down 16 rare monkeys snatched from a Devon sanctuary.
The marmosets, squirrel monkeys and tamarins were taken in two raids at the Shaldon Wildlife Trust near Teignmouth.
Police have warned that professional thieves are targeting the region and trust director Tracey Moore welcomed the new investigation.
"If it is the case the monkeys are heading for the continent, it is great news Interpol are involved," she said.
"The more people that are trying to find our monkeys the better.
The Wildlife Trust has been targeted twice since August
"It's been devastating for us. We are a tiny charity and we only have two members of staff.
"Everyone who works for us is a volunteer and gives up their time for what we do.
"We work with the animals on a day-to-day basis and they obviously trust us.
"It has hit us extremely hard and I would ask anyone who has any information to contact the local police."
In the latest raid, which took place on either 11 or 12 September, 11 rare monkeys were stolen.
Joining forces
Among the creatures taken was a four-week-old goeldis monkey which was clinging to its mother's back.
Others stolen included two silvery marmosets, a squirrel monkey and three cotton-top tamarins.
Intruders also struck on 1 August when five squirrel monkeys were taken.
The monkeys require special care and if the stolen creatures are not looked after properly they could die.
Investigators are joining forces with wildlife agencies in the hope the monkeys might be found and returned to the trust.
The marmosets, squirrel monkeys and tamarins were taken in two raids at the Shaldon Wildlife Trust near Teignmouth.
Police have warned that professional thieves are targeting the region and trust director Tracey Moore welcomed the new investigation.
"If it is the case the monkeys are heading for the continent, it is great news Interpol are involved," she said.
"The more people that are trying to find our monkeys the better.
The Wildlife Trust has been targeted twice since August
"It's been devastating for us. We are a tiny charity and we only have two members of staff.
"Everyone who works for us is a volunteer and gives up their time for what we do.
"We work with the animals on a day-to-day basis and they obviously trust us.
"It has hit us extremely hard and I would ask anyone who has any information to contact the local police."
In the latest raid, which took place on either 11 or 12 September, 11 rare monkeys were stolen.
Joining forces
Among the creatures taken was a four-week-old goeldis monkey which was clinging to its mother's back.
Others stolen included two silvery marmosets, a squirrel monkey and three cotton-top tamarins.
Intruders also struck on 1 August when five squirrel monkeys were taken.
The monkeys require special care and if the stolen creatures are not looked after properly they could die.
Investigators are joining forces with wildlife agencies in the hope the monkeys might be found and returned to the trust.
