Missing Dallas Zoo Monkeys Found Alive In Closet Of Abandoned Home

@DallasZoo / Twitter

The disappearance of two emperor tamarin monkeys from the Dallas Zoo has raised concerns about security measures at the zoo and the safety of the animals.

The monkeys were discovered on Tuesday (Jan 31) 5 miles away from the zoo in an abandoned home in Lancaster, Texas after a tip from a member of the public led the police to believe that the monkeys were intentionally taken from their enclosure.

“We are thrilled beyond belief to share that our two emperor tamarin monkeys have been found,” the Dallas Zoo said Tuesday evening. “They will be evaluated by our veterinarians this evening.”

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 enclosure had been cut open and the authorities are currently searching for a man who may be connected to the case.

They released surveillance video and a photo of an unidentified man asking those to call 214-671-4509 with any information.

Dallas Police are looking for the public’s help in identifying the pictured individual. Detectives are looking to speak with the man in regard to the two tamarin monkeys missing from the Dallas Zoo.
Anyone with information- call 214-671-4509. pic.twitter.com/VVvvHFAdgJ

— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) January 31, 2023

The discovery of the monkeys comes after a number of strange incidents have occurred at the zoo in recent weeks, including the disappearance of a clouded leopard named Nova on Jan 13, who was found near her enclosure after the fence was found to have been intentionally cut.

Additionally, some langur monkeys had their enclosure cut the same way, but none of them escaped.

The recent incidents prompted the zoo to increase security measures, including installing more cameras and boosting overnight security personnel.

We will provide updates as we know more.

— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) January 22, 2023

The zoo is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of a suspect in the death of a lappet-faced vulture named Pin, who was found dead in his habitat and suffered “an unusual wound and injuries.”

The zoo president and CEO, Gregg Hudson, said that the bird’s death was “suspicious” and did not appear to be from natural causes.

The circumstances of the death are unusual, and the death does not appear to be from natural causes. Given the recent incidents at the Zoo, we alerted the Dallas Police Department. We cannot share many details until Dallas PD has had more time to look into this matter.

— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) January 22, 2023

The discovery of the emperor tamarin monkeys is a relief for the zoo, but it raises questions about the safety of the animals and the security measures in place.

The police are still investigating the incidents and are asking the public to contact them with any information that may help the investigation.

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