Report Says Missing Dallas Zoo Monkeys Planned to Keep Stealing Animals

DALLAS – A man accused of taking two monkeys from the Dallas Zoo and damaging the habitat of other animals has reportedly said he would steal more animals.

This story has received international attention in part because it is not the kind of theft that happens very often. And now for another bizarre twist involving a man accused of stealing animals from the Dallas Zoo.

In custody is 24-year-old Davion Irvin.

Last Thursday, he was sent to the Dallas County Jail.

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The Dallas Morning News received court records outlining his confession.

According to the arrest warrant, Irwin admitted that last month he bypassed zoo security by jumping over a fence after hours.

He said he snatched two emperor tamarins from an enclosure, then rode the DART rails and took the animals to a vacant home in Lancaster.

The police found the monkeys there after receiving numerous reports from the public.

Irwin also admitted that earlier last month he unsuccessfully tried to steal a clouded leopard named Nova and later crash into a second monkey exhibit.

According to an affidavit from the Dallas Morning News, Irwin told police that if he was released from custody, he would return to the zoo and try to take more animals. He told the officers that he loved them.

It is not yet clear if he is responsible for the unexplained death of a rare vulture at the zoo.

Irwin is charged with animal cruelty and burglary.