OPELOUSAS, La. (KPEL News) - The man believed to be responsible for the theft of 12 monkeys at Zoosiana in Broussard, Louisiana, has been arrested after a joint investigation by Broussard and Opelousas police.

Joseph Randall, 61, of Opelousas, was arrested and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on charges of Burglary, as well as 12 counts of Cruelty to Animals.

None of the monkeys were recovered, however, and their whereabouts are currently still being investigated.

The monkeys were originally taken Saturday night, January 28, and the theft was reported the next morning.

According to Broussard police, there is currently no known connection between this theft and the theft of two monkeys from the Dallas Zoo, which happened a day after the Zoosiana theft.


ORIGINAL STORY

Broussard Police are investigating a theft at Zoosiana. But it wasn't money or merchandise that was taken - it was monkeys.

Specifically, several squirrel monkeys.

Zoosiana announced earlier today that it was closed due to weather. However, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Broussard Police responded to a burglary call at the zoo.

The investigation revealed that several of the small primates were missing. All other animals are accounted for, BPD confirmed, and there are currently no safety concerns at this time.

There does not appear to be a suspect at this time, nor a motive.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Broussard police are asking that anyone with any information on this incident call the Broussard Police Department at 337-837-6259. They can also call the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries or Crimes Stoppers at 232-TIPS.

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