News article: Lizards returned safely to zoo

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Posted by Desiree on May 09, 2001 at 17:25:54:

Lizards returned safely to zoo
The Associated Press
5/9/01 1:16 AM

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Stolen iguanas Ziggy and Cleopatra are safely back at the Audubon Zoo.

The lizards, who were stolen from their separate exhibits May 3, enjoyed their homecoming Tuesday by staring, motionless, at their fruit and vegetable trays.

"It's difficult to tell with iguanas whether they're happy or relieved or what, but I imagine they're pleased to be back in familiar surroundings," general curator Dan Maloney said.

After the bold lizard-snatchings, police and zoo officials received dozens of calls from concerned reptile lovers.

"The response was incredible," said Sarah Burnette, the zoo's public relations director. "There are obviously a lot of iguanas around town."

Ziggy, a common green iguana, was recovered Sunday night in a vacant lot, Burnette said. Cleopatra, a rare tan rhinoceros iguana, was found Monday night, a few miles away, she said.

A 16-year-old boy told officers he had found Cleopatra, police said, but now he is a suspect in the case. He was booked Tuesday with possession of stolen property.

Police also have an arrest warrant for Rodney Thornton, 18, who NOPD spokesman Joe Narcisse called a suspected accomplice.

Ziggy was found with a bandanna around his neck and a chunk of his tail missing, presumably lost while trying to evade his kidnappers. Cleopatra, who sports a hornlike protrusion on her snout, was discovered wrapped in a blanket inside a trash can.

"These iguanas apparently traveled all over the city," Maloney said. "They might have even gotten a discount fare on the streetcar, we don't know."

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: Lizards returned safely to zoo : The Associated Press : 5/9/01 1:16 AM : : NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Stolen iguanas Ziggy and Cleopatra are safely back at the Audubon Zoo. : The lizards, who were stolen from their separate exhibits May 3, enjoyed their homecoming Tuesday by staring, motionless, at their fruit and vegetable trays. : "It's difficult to tell with iguanas whether they're happy or relieved or what, but I imagine they're pleased to be back in familiar surroundings," general curator Dan Maloney said. : After the bold lizard-snatchings, police and zoo officials received dozens of calls from concerned reptile lovers. : "The response was incredible," said Sarah Burnette, the zoo's public relations director. "There are obviously a lot of iguanas around town." : Ziggy, a common green iguana, was recovered Sunday night in a vacant lot, Burnette said. Cleopatra, a rare tan rhinoceros iguana, was found Monday night, a few miles away, she said. : A 16-year-old boy told officers he had found Cleopatra, police said, but now he is a suspect in the case. He was booked Tuesday with possession of stolen property. : Police also have an arrest warrant for Rodney Thornton, 18, who NOPD spokesman Joe Narcisse called a suspected accomplice. : Ziggy was found with a bandanna around his neck and a chunk of his tail missing, presumably lost while trying to evade his kidnappers. Cleopatra, who sports a hornlike protrusion on her snout, was discovered wrapped in a blanket inside a trash can. : "These iguanas apparently traveled all over the city," Maloney said. "They might have even gotten a discount fare on the streetcar, we don't know."

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