West News Wire: Police say they have detained a guy suspected of stealing two primates from a zoo in the United States.
A 24-year-old suspect has reportedly been detained, according to law enforcement officials in Dallas, Texas. The suspect is accused of stealing two emperor tamarin monkeys from the city’s zoo, which has recently been the scene of a number of strange incidents, including animal disappearances and breaches of enclosures.
On Tuesday, the two monkeys were located and brought back to the zoo.
The Dallas Zoo wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, “Emperor tamarin monkeys Bella and Finn were very pleased to snuggle into their nest sack here at the Zoo last night!” “Our vet and animal care teams have said, beyond losing a bit of weight, they show no signs of injury.”
Police said the suspect, named Davion Irvin, has been charged with six counts of animal cruelty and is being held in the county jail. The Associated Press, however, reported that jail records put the number of charges at five. Irvin’s bail has been set at $25,000.
Police also said there is an ongoing investigation into the strange occurrences that have taken place at the zoo recently and that more charges are possible.
Police also said there is an ongoing investigation into the strange occurrences that have taken place at the zoo recently and that more charges are possible.
An endangered lappet-faced vulture was later found dead at the zoo under what officials described as “suspicious” circumstances.
On Monday, the monkeys Bella and Finn were also reported missing, with the zoo saying their habitat appeared to have been “intentionally compromised”.
Law enforcement later posted a picture of the suspect in their disappearance, asking the public for help identifying him. Irvin was detained on Thursday after being spotted at a local aquarium.
“Dallas Police received a tip Irvin was seen at the Dallas Aquarium near animal exhibits,” police said in a statement.
A tip also led authorities to the two monkeys, who were discovered in the closet of a vacant home in the city of Lancaster, about 25km (15 miles) south of the zoo.
The emperor tamarin is a small monkey with long whiskers and is named for its resemblance to the German emperor Wilhelm II, who is also known for his elaborate facial hair.
