Dallas police Department

Dallas Zoo Mystery Suspect Arrested in Monkey Theft Caper Busted at Dallas Aquarium

UPDATE

3:39 PM PT -- A rep for the Zoo tells us, "We can share with you that our on-grounds cameras were critical as they captured suspicious activities, and we were able to share that with DPD. We also want to thank the team at the Dallas World Aquarium who recognized an individual from the photo circulated by DPD and reported it. We do think it’s important for everyone to know that we are moving forward with our plans to make significant changes and upgrades to security at the Zoo."

UPDATE

They continue, "Adding more cameras, additional security technology, and additional fencing, while also almost tripling the security patrols, and increasing overnight staffing are some of the many changes we have made and are continuing to expand. The Zoo is evaluating our internal policies and identifying additional partners with whom we will work to further strengthen security measures to protect the Zoo, our animals, our staff, our guests, and our community."

Cops say they nabbed the guy who stole those monkeys from the Dallas Zoo ... they nabbed him at an aquarium.

Dallas PD says 24-year-old Davion Irvin has been charged with 6 counts of animal cruelty. They say he's the same guy who was caught on surveillance video with a bag of Doritos, strolling through the zoo where the emperor tamarin monkeys were taken.

The 2 monkeys were found in the closet of an abandoned home.

Cops apparently got a tip Thursday ... a man matching the description of the guy on the surveillance vid was hanging around the Dallas World Aquarium.

Dallas Police Department

As for the 6 counts of animal cruelty, cops tell us he's been hit with 3 counts per monkey for unsuitable habitat, abandonment and injury to animal.

A vulture at the zoo was mysteriously killed -- but it appears cops don't believe Irvin had any involvement in that incident.

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