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  • From: Josh Greenman <joshg1973 AT yahoo.com>
  • To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [monkeywire] Tighter security after monkey theft
  • Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 20:25:12 -0500

http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,8762177%255E2682,00.html

Tighter security after monkey theft
By CARLA CARUSO
February 23, 2004


FENCE upgrades and more patrols, particularly during major events, are some of the measures being looked at to increase security at Adelaide Zoo.

The tightened security follows the theft of a squirrel monkey, worth about $50,000 on the black market, from its exhibit overnight on Friday.

Cisco, 11, was found in an Edwardstown unit by police on Saturday night, after a tip-off to Crime Stoppers.

A 20-year-old Edwardstown man has been charged with theft and unlawful possession and was bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Adelaide Zoo director Mark Craig said yesterday the Royal Zoological Society of SA would review zoo security this week.

"Our long-term plan is to replace the whole perimeter fence," he said.

"We (also) may need to increase perimeter fence patrols whenever there's a lot of people around.

"That evening, Friday night, was the Fringe festival (opening parade) and we had a lot of people in the city, within walking distance of the zoo."

The society has already been in talks with Adelaide City Council about upgrading the fence along Frome Rd.

The monkey exhibit, which is about 20 years old, will also be looked at to ascertain whether it is secure enough for Cisco and long-time friend Lorenzo, 13, to return to.

Security measures already at the zoo include patrols by Chubb Security, alarms and security cameras installed in the major buildings and at the gates – although not in the exhibits – and the on-site residency of horticulture supervisor Jeff Lugg and his family.

The monkey snatchers were believed to have entered the zoo by climbing a 2.5m fence in the southwest corner near Frome Rd. A shovel, pet carrier and net were taken from the aviary area to smash a hole in the chicken-wire covered exhibit, and net and trap the monkey. The equipment used to snatch the monkey was later found dumped at the zoo.

The aviary area is several metres from the monkey exhibit and, with no lighting and the zoo in a cover of darkness, this would have been nearly impossible to accomplish unless premeditated. Primate keeper Andrew Chauncy said the zoo was a dangerous place for intruders to wander at night.

"It's pitch black – it's even creepy for me here at night," he said.

Meanwhile, Cisco is under 30-day quarantine in the zoo's Animal Health Centre – with Lorenzo for company – to protect it in the event it came into contact with any other animal or human infection while away from its enclosure.


  • [monkeywire] Tighter security after monkey theft, Josh Greenman, 02/23/2004

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