# Monkey theft at Lescar zoo near Pau: investigation and charges

> In the night of October 26 to 27, 2026, Exotic Parc in Lescar, near Pau, reported the theft of fourteen primates and filed a complaint. On October 30, gendarmes found eleven animals near Tarbes and arrested several people. On November 1, three people were charged for the theft of thirteen monkeys, marmosets and tamarins. On November 2, two suspects were placed in pretrial detention after arrests in the Hautes-Pyrénées, including that of the partner of one of them.

**In brief**: Ongoing story bringing together 4 events in 2 departments (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées), followed from 27 October 2026 to 3 November 2026. 52 articles from 24 sources (justice, society, security); last updated on 3 November 2026 at 13:30. Reported toll: 13 arrests.

- Status: ongoing
- Category: Justice, Society, Security
- Place: Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées
- First detected: 27 October 2026 at 16:57
- Updated: 3 November 2026 at 13:30
- Web page: https://acturadar.com/en/stories/191-monkey-theft-at-lescar-zoo-near-pau-investigation-and-charges

## Reported figures

- 13 arrests
- 12 000 euros
- 150 000 euros

## Coverage angles

All three sides cover the same event but stress different aspects: the left highlights the spectacular account of the arrests and the fate of the endangered primates, the center details the judicial procedure and behind-the-scenes of the investigation (ransom, negotiator), the right underlines the context of animal trafficking and the value of the stolen species.

**Common ground**

- Theft of fourteen primates (marmosets and tamarins) at Exotic Park in Lescar in the night of October 26 to 27
- Eleven animals found near Tarbes and several people arrested
- Three people charged for the theft
- Two suspects placed in pretrial detention

**Differences**

- The ransom demand and the opening of a judicial investigation for attempted extortion are detailed by the center, absent from the provided left and right articles
- The left highlights the spectacular police operation (GIGN, helicopters), little present in right-wing headlines
- The right insists on the context of animal trafficking and the value of the species, an angle little developed on the left
- The number of animals varies by source (thirteen or fourteen stolen, eleven found)

## Timeline (4 events)

### 27 October 2026 — [Near Pau: About a dozen monkeys stolen from a zoo, complaint filed](https://acturadar.com/en/events/1996-near-pau-about-a-dozen-monkeys-stolen-from-a-zoo-complaint-filed.md)

Exotic Parc, near Pau, filed a complaint after the theft of 14 primates, some of which are elderly, tagged, and require special care.

22 sources, 33 articles · Pau — Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées

### 30 October 2026 — [Singes volés au zoo de Lescar : onze animaux retrouvés et des interpellations](https://acturadar.com/en/events/5363-singes-voles-au-zoo-de-lescar-onze-animaux-retrouves-et-des-interpellations.md)

La quasi-totalité des ouistitis et tamarins volés au zoo de Lescar près de Pau a été retrouvée par les gendarmes près de Tarbes, et plusieurs personnes ont été interpellées.

8 sources, 11 articles · Lescar — Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées

### 1 November 2026 — [Vol de singes au zoo de Lescar : trois personnes mises en examen](https://acturadar.com/en/events/6361-vol-de-singes-au-zoo-de-lescar-trois-personnes-mises-en-examen.md)

Trois personnes sont mises en examen après le vol de treize singes (ouistitis et tamarins) à l'Exotic Park de Lescar dans la nuit du 26 au 27 octobre.

5 sources, 6 articles · Lescar — Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées

### 2 November 2026 — [Vol de singes au zoo de Lescar : deux suspects placés en détention provisoire](https://acturadar.com/en/events/7618-vol-de-singes-au-zoo-de-lescar-deux-suspects-places-en-detention-provisoire.md)

Après le vol de treize ouistitis et tamarins à l'Exotic Park de Lescar dans la nuit du 26 au 27 octobre, deux suspects et la compagne de l'un d'eux ont été interpellés dans les Hautes-Pyrénées ; deux suspects sont placés en détention provisoire.

2 sources, 2 articles · Lescar — Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées

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Cite as: Acturadar, “Monkey theft at Lescar zoo near Pau: investigation and charges”, https://acturadar.com/en/stories/191-monkey-theft-at-lescar-zoo-near-pau-investigation-and-charges
Methodology: https://acturadar.com/en/methodology