Urgent!!! Help Needed To Find Dozens Of Animals Stolen From Florida Wildlife Sanctuary Over The Weekend

Photos from Cindy Robert

A false Craigslist ad reportedly resulted in the theft of dozens of animals from a wildlife sanctuary in Southwest Miami-Dade, Florida, over the weekend.

According to WSVN, seven lemurs, five marmosets, four monkeys, seven birds and 13 tortoises were stolen from the We Care Wildlife Sanctuary sometime between 10:00 PM Saturday evening and 10:00 AM Sunday morning.

People with any information about this theft should immediately call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or 305-471-8477.

It is especially urgent because when WAN contacted the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers hotline this morning, while we were told that they could not confirm whether any tips have been received yet, there was an indication that none had been made.

Our call to the South District Police Station in Cutler Bay to try to secure more information was also deterred when an officer who was unaware of the case told us that, regardless, they would not be able to share any details with us unless we had a case number and went into the station to make the request.

As per WSVN, the fabricated Craigslist ad stated, “Free exotic animals. I’m no longer staying in business I can’t take care of these animals. I have lemurs, marmosets, tortoise, African grays, macaws, horses etc. First come first serve. We’re a sanctuary going out of business. If I’m not there just go around back and take what you want.”

“Some of these animals need medication. “It’s sad because, unfortunately, some of them might die,” volunteer Cindy Robert told WSVN while pleading for the animals return. “Please, just bring them back because they need to be safe and cared for properly.”

As per authorities, the owner of the animal sanctuary recently moved and no surveillance cameras had been installed.

Again, if you have any information on this theft, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or 305-471-8477. Callers can remain anonymous and may become eligible for a $1,000.00 reward. What’s most important though is that the stolen animals are returned quickly and safely. Please help by calling the tip line if you have any information.