It seems highly dangerous to break into a zoo but it's been happening all across the country and now the Detroit Zoo is stepping up its security.

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What Could Go Wrong Breaking Into a Zoo?

Male lions roaring, standing on the natural environment of the zoo.
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I'm not sure why anyone would want to break into a zoo because it sure seems kind of dangerous. What if you wind up in the lion's den when you hop over the fence? You might become a late-night snack.

Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) snarling, headshot
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I'm not sure a thief's luck would be any better after scaling a zoo fence and then hopping down in the tiger enclosure. Let's not forget, there are rhinos, hippos, alligators, apes, and a lot of things that can kill a person if they get into the wrong part of the zoo.

What Types of Animals Have Been Stolen From American Zoos?

IndiaPicture/Universal Images Gr/Getty Images
IndiaPicture/Universal Images Gr/Getty Images
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A thief wound up breaking into the Dallas Zoo recently and swiped a 25-pound clouded leopard.

Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images
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A few weeks later a pair of Emperor Tamarin monkeys were swiped from the Dallas Zoo which seem very specific for a thief to take. Maybe a person who traffics animals thought it might be easier to steal them from a zoo rather than try and smuggle them into the country.

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
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A dozen squirrel monkeys were taken from a Lousianna private zoo. Taking 12 squirrel monkeys must have been a difficult task and probably required more than one person to pull off.

Detroit Zoo on Alert and Increasing Security Due to Animals Being Stolen From Zoos

Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
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According to FOX 17, the Detroit Zoo has not been broken into but steps are being made to increase security so no animals are taken after faculty believe the zoo is being cased.

Abandoned Detroit Zoo

Remember the Belle Isle Zoo? Sadly the property has been neglected - and all but forgotten - since its closing in 2002.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Detroit Zoo Reopens Polk Penguin Conservation Center: Look

The Penguins are back home at the Detroit Zoo. The largest penguin facility in the world has reopened to the public. Closed since September 2019, the facility underwent renovations and upgrades that included a section of glass flooring that allows guests to see birds swimming below their feet, repainted rock surfaces, the creation of more nesting areas, a second snow machine within the habitat, upgrades to the water and air filtration systems, enhanced lighting and exhibits that focus on changing climate and the resulting loss of sea ice.
Now, everyone is getting acclimated to their new home and loving every minute, and that includes the visitors to the zoo!
Take a look.

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