Lescar zoo monkey theft: most stolen primates recovered

Police have recovered 11 of the 13 monkeys stolen from the Exotic Park zoo in Lescar, France, during a break-in on the night of Monday to Tuesday. A 14th monkey, initially thought missing, was discovered hiding within the park shortly after the incident.

The stolen animals included marmosets and pied tamarins, a species classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Zoo director Guillaume Darzacq noted that the theft involved entire families with young animals, which hold significant value on the black market.

Authorities have arrested several suspects in the Tarbes area. Investigators believe the thieves used chisels and crowbars to force doors and windows. While the zoo maintains that its alarm systems and video surveillance helped expedite the investigation, the facility had previously faced accusations of negligence. The recovered animals are reported to be in good physical condition, though they have experienced trauma.