This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Every summer, warnings are raised about the dangers of leaving children and animals in hot cars, where temperatures can quickly become deadly, but many still suffer. In Tennessee, two baby marmosets were left in a car outside a water park and the outcome was disastrous. Urge the district attorney to seek maximum penalties and to ensure that their negligent guardians cannot have animals in their possession again.

In June, officers from the Sevierville Police Department responded to the Soaky Mountain Waterpark after receiving a call from the facility's management reporting a dead monkey inside a vehicle.

The temperature at the time was 82 degrees, which can quickly become deadly for an animal, and rise to as much as 120 degrees in as little as 20 minutes.

Tragically the 9-week-old marmoset in the vehicle was already dead. The 5-week-old marmoset survived and was taken to Appalachian Animal Hospital and treated for heat-stroke and severe dehydration.

This incident is also a tragic reminder of the fact that primates aren't “pets.” They are wild animals who don't belong in captivity.

Animal advocates have long fought for the freedom of wild species, protection of their environment, the relocation of animals exploited by zoos and circuses to sanctuaries, and when possible, to be returned to the wild. Unfortunately, it's still legal to have them in many places, which has left many to suffer in conditions that don't meet their needs, or are downright abusive.

Those responsible for this incident may at least still be held accountable. Nova Brettell, who was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, and David Brettell who was charged with animal cruelty are due to appear in court in October.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.