Photo: Amy Frankel

San Francisco Zoo visitors who bring a Valentine for Banana-Sam, the squirrel monkey stolen from the zoo in December, will get discounted admission this weekend.

Banana-Sam disappeared after a break-in at the zoo some time after it closed for the night Dec. 29. On New Year’s Eve, a man claimed to have spotted the monkey in Stern Grove and coaxed him into a backpack. Authorities and zoo officials questioned the story.

In spite of the mysterious circumstances of his disappearance and return, Banana-Sam is ready to rejoin his troop on exhibit at the zoo. He’ll be back with his old gang starting Saturday, and the zoo is offering $1 off admission on Saturday and Sunday to visitors who bring the monkey a Valentine’s Day card.

Banana-Sam’s keepers also will give public talks at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. both days.