Police Find Stolen Monkeys From Dallas Zoo In Closet Of Abandoned Home

Authorities successfully located and rescued two missing emperor tamarin monkeys that were stolen from the Dallas Zoo in Texas.

The monkeys were found in a closet of an abandoned house in Lancaster, Texas.

The Dallas Police Department shared about the discovery on Twitter on January 31, saying:

“Dallas Police, with the help of the Lancaster Police Department, located the two missing tamarin monkeys from the Dallas Zoo at an abandoned home in Lancaster.”

They added a photo of “one of the animals still inside the closet of the house,” and noted that the monkeys have been returned to the Dallas Zoo.

Dallas Police, with the help of the Lancaster Police Department, located the two missing tamarin monkeys from the Dallas Zoo at an abandoned home in Lancaster.
Pictured is one of the animals still inside the closet of the house.
The monkeys have been returned to the zoo. pic.twitter.com/vfWj7aAt3T

— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) February 1, 2023

The Dallas Zoo initially shared that the monkeys were missing on Monday, January 30, 2023.

The zoo posted on Twitter that “It was clear the habitat had been intentionally compromised.” Staff searched the premises but the preliminary investigation showed the police that “they have reason to believe the tamarins were taken.”

Emperor tamarin monkeys would likely stay close to home – the Zoo searched near their habitat and across Zoo grounds, and did not locate them. Based on the Dallas Police Department’s initial assessment, they have reason to believe the tamarins were taken.

— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) January 30, 2023

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before the monkeys were located.

The zoo posted an update saying that the monkeys were safely located and transported back to the zoo, though the police are still searching for the person(s) responsible for the theft.

We are thrilled beyond belief to share that our two emperor tamarin monkeys have been found. DPD located the animals early this evening, and called our team to come secure and transport the tamarins back to the Zoo. They will be evaluated by our veterinarians this evening. pic.twitter.com/bDd49d3uDc

— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) February 1, 2023

The Dallas Zoo was pleased to announce on February 1st that both monkeys, named Bella and Finn, were declared healthy by a veterinarian after the ordeal.

They said: “Emperor tamarin monkeys, Bella and Finn, were so happy 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.”

Emperor tamarin monkeys, Bella and Finn, were so happy 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. pic.twitter.com/Nf5DXvGxJX

— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) February 1, 2023

The zoo added that both the animals started eating and drinking without problems, but they’ll have to undergo a quarantine period before being re-introduced to their zoo habitat since they left the premesis.

Hopefully the police will be able to locate whoever was responsible for the crime!