UPDATE: Nov. 17, 2012, 2:30 p.m. - Zoo Boise has re-opened after Boise Police detectives completed their crime scene investigation following an illegal entry and the death of a Patas monkey at the zoo. Detectives were able to collect blood evidence that's being tested to determine if it's blood from the monkey or a human suspect.
Again, anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS, or log onto www.343cops.com, or text CRIMES or 274637, subject: Tip236. A citizen can remain anonymous. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest of criminal suspects.
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Boise, Nov. 17, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - Boise Police are investigating a break-in at Zoo Boise. Shortly after the suspects were spotted by security and ran off, a severely injured monkey was found. The animal has since died of it's injuries.
"It's very disturbing that someone would intentionally break into the zoo and harm an animal. We're doing all we can to find who did this." said Sgt. Ted Snyder of the Boise Police Department.
What Happened: Boise Police were alerted at 4:30 this morning by security personnel at Zoo Boise that a break-in had occurred. Officers were told a security guard spotted two males, both wearing dark clothing, one inside the zoo grounds, the other outside the fence near the primate exhibit. When the suspects saw the security guard, they ran. The suspect inside the fence appeared to run into the interior of the zoo. Additional officers responded and did two searches of the zoo, including one sweep with a thermal imager but did not find the suspect.
Injured monkey: During the search for suspects and evidence, officers and zoo employees found a Patas monkey lying next to the perimeter fence near the primate exhibit where the suspects were last seen. The monkey appeared to have a head injury. Zoo managers immediately got the injured animal medical treatment, however the monkey died a short time later. Zoo officials will investigate and determine exactly what caused the monkey's death.
Ongoing Investigation: Boise Police detectives are on scene investigating and searching for evidence that could lead to who is responsible. Further details are not available for release at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Crime Stoppers: Anyone with any information on this case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS, or log onto www.343cops.com, or text CRIMES or 274637, subject: Tip236. A citizen can remain anonymous. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest of criminal suspects.