Police in Broussard, Louisiana are looking for suspects in the theft of monkeys from a habitat at Zoosiana over the weekend.
"The individual was unfortunately successful in stealing 12 squirrel monkeys. The remaining squirrel monkeys have been carefully assessed," Zoosiana posted. "Investigation into this incident is ongoing."
Police Chief Vance Olivier says safety measures have been taken to secure the Zoo and other animals.
“So we increased our patrols over there since they reported that to us, we’ve heightened our security with more patrols right now just in an event that they would try to make a second attempt.”
A squirrel monkey is the size of a squirrel, so about a foot long, weighing two pounds. If you keep them as a pet, they are known to be very destructive and aggressive.
All other animals at the zoo have been accounted for, and there are no public safety concerns at this time.
“If anybody sees something or knows something regarding this, we ask that you contact Broussard Police Department, they can always call Crime Stoppers at 337-232-TIPS,” said Olivier.
