Three individuals investigated for monkey theft

Three people from the town of Tarbes are being formally investigated for stealing monkeys from the Exotic Park in Lescar, which is near the city of Pau. The theft occurred during the night of Monday, October 26, to Tuesday, October 27, according to the regional newspaper Sud-Ouest.

Two suspects in custody

Two of the three individuals have been placed in provisional custody, while the third remains at large. The Regional Environmental Prosecution Unit, based in Bayonne, has launched a judicial inquiry into the case, which is being led by the Bayonne prosecutor's office.

Thirteen monkeys stolen

Thirteen monkeys were taken during the incident, including species such as owl monkeys and tamarins. Initially, it was believed that fourteen animals had been stolen, but one of the monkeys was later found back inside the park a few hours after the theft was reported.

Eleven monkeys found healthy

Eleven of the thirteen stolen monkeys were found in good health by investigators this Thursday in the suburbs of Tarbes. The remaining two monkeys are still missing, and the investigation continues to locate them.

Ransom demand and charges

The perpetrators reportedly sent a ransom demand to the zoo park in exchange for the return of the animals, according to the Bayonne prosecutor. A judicial inquiry was opened on Saturday for multiple charges, including unauthorized detention, transportation, and sale of non-domestic species, as well as theft, attempted extortion, and organized criminal activity.