The Dallas Zoo has announced that it will make “substantial changes” to its security system following the recovery of the missing tamarin. Additionally, a $25,000 bounty has been released for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the recent disappearances.
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The Dallas Zoo is reviewing its existing safety measures after rehabilitating a pair of marmosets. They were found in a closet in an abandoned house on Tuesday.
Examination of the animals by the zoo’s veterinarians and animal care team revealed no signs of injury. However, the marmosets lost weight. In a press release, they informed Bella and Finn that the recovered monkeys began eating and drinking after health checks. However, zoos require a quarantine before reintroducing the monkeys into their habitat. The same procedure applies to other animals that have disappeared from zoos in recent weeks.
The zoo has also begun a detailed review of existing security systems. “While our safety programs were working in the past, it was clear that we needed to make significant changes,” the zoo said. “Words cannot describe how frustrated our team is. Even with all the extra security measures we’ve put in place over the past two weeks, our animals and staff are still the targets of these crimes,” it added.
The zoo has added more cameras after the tamarins and several other animals went missing. In addition, it will introduce additional fencing and increase the number of patrols and night staff. This is to prevent future security breaches. “We consulted with security experts and developed new strategies to protect the 106-acre zoo. Zoo security is a unique challenge with special needs due to the environment; often with extensive tree canopies, expansive habitats, and backstage areas to monitor, as well as guests, contractors and the intensive traffic of employees,” the zoo staff revealed.
