West Palm Beach police said Wednesday morning a monkey that was stolen earlier this week at the Palm Beach Zoo has been recovered and is in good health.
Dr. Genevieve Dumonceaux, Director of Animal Health at the zoo, said at a news conference Kali is in good health but dehydrated, and will be reunited with her mate, Quito, in a few days.
According to a news release from the zoo, detectives returned Kali to zoo officials shortly before midnight Wednesday. It's unclear how police found the primate or if anyone has been arrested.
"We are grateful for the tenacious and passionate detectives and police officers involved in our case," said Zoo President & CEO Margo McKnight.
Zoo officials say the 12-year-old Goeldi's monkey, which weighs about 1 pound, suffers from inflammation. Kali requires a specialized diet and anti-inflammatory medicine.
The species is native to South America and valued at $10,000 on the black market.
"Kali is doing well considering she has been without her medication for days," McKnight said in a written statement. "Our animal care team is monitoring her closely, and our goal is to reunite her with Quito, her mate, as soon as we know she’s healthy."
A $6,000 reward had been offered for Kali's safe return.
The zoo released video Wednesday morning of the monkey back in her cage and eating grapes.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
WATCH SURVEILLANCE VIDEO OF THE THEFT:
Here’s a look at the enclosure where the mesh fencing was cut. This is where Kali the Goeldi’s monkey was taken from @PalmBeachZoo. Live report at 11am on @WPTV
MORE DETAILS: https://t.co/qxaRXyXQ4O pic.twitter.com/0hgj5JjNjR— Alanna Quillen (@AlannaWPTV) February 12, 2019
Last April, two modified shotguns were stolen out of a safe on zoo grounds while the park was closed.
In 2009, a parrot, three squirrel monkeys, and Goeldi were stolen from the zoo by three teens who used wire cutters to break in. Working on a tip, the animals were discovered in a shed behind an abandoned home nearby the zoo less than 24 hours later in sweltering heat, but alive.
"We are holding onto hope that the same thing that can happen nearly 10 years later," Carter said.
The zoo would not say what security measures are in place, and how it's improved security after 2009.
