A 21-year-old ring-tailed lemur that was stolen from the San Francisco Zoo on Wednesday was found at a local church the following day.
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According to NBC News, Maki was spotted by a woman in Daly City around 5 p.m. at a church playground a day after he was reported missing shortly before the zoo’s opening on Wednesday morning and he is one of the oldest animals at the exhibit. Police reported they have arrested Cory McGilloway,30, in San Rafael and charged him with shoplifting and theft of a vehicle Thursday around 10 p.m. but will face more charges.
San Francisco police said in a statement, “On Thursday, October 15, 2020, at approximately 5:00 PM, a witness was on the unit block of San Fernando Way in Daly City when she observed what she believed was “Maki” the missing lemur. The witness called 911 and notified authorities. Officers from Daly City Police Department responded to the scene along with officers from Animal Care and Control and staff from the San Francisco Zoo. The lemur was successfully captured and positively identified as “Maki.” “Maki” was determined to be in good health and transported back to the San Francisco Zoo.”
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Following the abduction of our beloved senior ring-tailed lemur, Maki, we received an outpouring of concern, which led to his return late Thursday evening! Somewhat anxious and hungry, Maki appears to be in good health! pic.twitter.com/zlgQR7sxeH
— San Francisco Zoo (@sfzoo) October 16, 2020
Investigators reported they discovered pictures of a lemur in McGilloway’s phone but a motive for the theft is currently unknown. The additional charges he faces are burglary, grand theft of an animal, looting, and vandalism.