Share

Germany: Bieber's monkey going nowhere

Berlin - German customs authorities said on Tuesday that Justin Bieber's monkey is going nowhere for now even though the singer has apparently asked that it be removed from an animal shelter where it is staying and be placed in a zoo.

Mally, a 17-week-old capuchin monkey, was seized by customs authorities on 28 March when Bieber failed to produce the required papers after landing in Munich while on tour.

Judith Brettmeister, spokesperson for the Munich Animal Protection League shelter, where Mally has been kept since then, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that her office has since received two e-mails from a representative saying he was with Bieber's management company.

Brettmeister said she could not confirm that the e-mails were really from the management company, "though they appear to be." Bieber's representative did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting confirmation.

Brettmeister said the first e-mail asked how long Bieber had to provide the paperwork before the monkey would be euthanized. The Animal Protection League replied that animals aren't euthanized in German shelters.

Then, in a second e-mail seen by the AP, the shelter is thanked for its help and told: "Our team is looking into the idea of placing Mally at a zoo in Germany. Would you happen to have any recommendations for places that Mally would be safe and thrive?"

It continues: "Again, we are very concerned that Mally is safe and placed in the best possible residence."

But customs spokesperson Thomas Meister said that Mally will stay in the shelter until Bieber or someone with his power of attorney gets in touch with them directly.

Bieber has until 17 May to provide Mally's paperwork, Meister said.

"If by May 17 there is nothing, then he loses ownership of the animal and it becomes the property of the Federal Republic of Germany," he said.

If Bieber really does want to place the animal in a zoo, he is welcome to contact customs authorities and forfeit Mally at any time, but will likely have to pay costs associated with keeping the monkey so far and a fine, Meister said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE