Moncton, Canada (CBC/CNN) - An elderly squirrel monkey that was snatched from a Canadian zoo in Moncton has been found.

According to a zoo keeper, the lock on the monkey's cage was cut.

The zoo then made a public appeal to get the primate, named Hercules, back.

According to the general manager of the zoo, they received an anonymous call. He says the caller said a group of young men took Hercules as a prank.

And then he returned him to the zoo.

The senior keeper says the pranksters probably had no idea of the consequences of removing an animal from its habitat.

"It's a dangerous exotic animal they do not make good pets and caring for an animal like that is extremely challenging, especially a geriatric squirrel monkey that does require specific care," said Jason Carson, senior keeper.

Hercules is being checked out and monitored in isolation for the next 24 hours.

While this is only the second stolen animal in 18 years, the zoo plans on reviewing its security system.

KSDK