Police bust suspect at Dallas zoo, monkey theft, leopard release

Davion Irvin, 24, was taken into custody at the Dallas World Aquarium near some animal exhibits, Lowman also said.

Authorities placed Irvin in the Dallas County North Tower Jail. His total bail was set at $25,000, the records also show.

According to a Dallas County, Texas official, Irvin faces six counts of animal cruelty (non-livestock) and two counts of burglary records.

Police found the pair of emperor tamarin monkeys Tuesday in a closet of an empty home in Lancaster, Texas, about 15 miles from the Dallas Zoo New York Times reported. The monkeys were reported missing on Monday.

Dallas police released a photo of one of the two monkeys in the closet on Tuesday. The creature, with its distinctive long, white “mustache,” is perched on what appears to be part of a chain link fence leaning against a wall.

Earlier Tuesday, Dallas Police released a photo of Irvin. Authorities asked for the public’s help in identifying him in connection with the missing tamarins.

The Dallas Zoo’s clouded leopard Nova went missing early in the morning of January 13, 2023. She was found unharmed near her enclosure later that afternoon. Police said in a news conference that day they believe the cat’s enclosure had been cut up on purpose. WFAA reported.

“Investigators have been looking at the area and we believe this was a premeditated act — and that is why we have launched a criminal investigation,” Public Information Officer Sgt. Warren Mitchell said during the press conference in mid-January.

Irvin has not been charged in connection with the “suspicious” death of Pin, a rag-faced vulture. Pin was found dead in his enclosure on Jan. 21, 2023, with what zoo officials said was a “wound.” WFAA also reported. Pin had been at the zoo for 33 years.

“The Vulture’s investigation is ongoing,” Lowman said at the news conference about Irvin’s arrest. “[Irvin] was not associated with this case at this time.”

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