DALLAS – Two emperor tamarin monkeys are believed to have been taken from the Dallas Zoo Monday. The latest incident comes after weeks of suspicious activity at the zoo, including an escape and animal death.
Monday afternoon, the zoo alerted police after two of their emperor tamarin monkeys were missing. The zoo says their habitat had been “intentionally compromised.”
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The zoo added that emperor tamarin monkeys would likely stay close to home. However, after searching near their habitat, the animals were not located.
Dallas police were alerted of the disappearance as they have been investigating a string of incidents at the zoo.
Based on the police’s initial assessment, they have reason to believe the tamarins were taken.
Previous incidents:
On Jan. 13, the Dallas Zoo closed its doors in search of a missing clouded leopard, Nova.
During the day-long search for the leopard on zoo grounds, Dallas police said they believe the fence on the leopard’s enclosure was intentionally cut, allowing for its escape.
Nova was found near her enclosure at 4:40 p.m. Friday. She was secured by staff just before 5:15 p.m.
We are thrilled to report we located clouded leopard Nova on-grounds at the Zoo this afternoon at approximated 4:40 p.m. She was located very near the original habitat, and teams were able to safely secure her just before 5:15 p.m. pic.twitter.com/XucvBrQO4V
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) January 13, 2023
Just two days later, zoo officials also found a similar cut had been made at a habitat for monkeys.
According to The Associated Press, none of the monkeys escaped the enclosure, and all were safe. It’s unknown if the incidents are related.
On Jan. 22, Dallas police added to their investigation after a vulture’s “suspicious” death at the zoo.
Zoo officials said Sunday the vulture was found dead in the zoo’s Wilds of Africa habitats this weekend but was unclear what happened.
“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,” the zoo said in a statement.
This weekend, our staff found that one of the endangered vultures in our Wilds of Africa habitats had died. The animal care team is heartbroken over this tremendous loss. Please keep them in your thoughts as they process what has happened. pic.twitter.com/0fqJc8Uk2Y
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) January 22, 2023
We're so grateful for the support we've received as we comprehend the unexpected loss of our 35-year-old lappet-faced vulture, Pin. Losing him is devastating not only to our Zoo family but also to the conservation efforts of this species. Pin will be missed dearly by everyone. pic.twitter.com/TJEQnT0MG1
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) January 24, 2023