A zoo became the setting for an unexpected and unusual situation when a pregnant chimpanzee ended up in possession of a stolen necklace valued at $20,000—turning a routine criminal investigation into something far more complicated.
The chain of events began when a burglary suspect, attempting to escape police in the area, tossed the necklace over a security fence to avoid being caught with it. What the suspect likely didn’t realize was that the jewelry landed directly inside a chimpanzee enclosure. Shortly afterward, surveillance footage showed the chimpanzee discovering the shiny object, studying it with interest, and casually placing it around her neck.
From that moment, the necklace was no longer easy to retrieve.
Zoo staff quickly assessed the situation and found themselves facing a serious dilemma. The chimpanzee, who is expecting a baby, became extremely protective of the necklace and showed signs of aggression whenever caretakers tried to get close. Sedating her was not an option, as anesthesia could endanger both her life and the developing infant.
With no safe or ethical way to intervene, zoo officials made the difficult choice to leave the necklace where it was.
For now, the valuable jewelry remains inside the enclosure, worn by the chimpanzee as she moves through her daily activities. Keepers are closely monitoring her to ensure the necklace does not cause discomfort or pose a health risk. Meanwhile, police and insurance representatives have little choice but to wait, understanding that the situation cannot be forced without serious consequences.
The incident has drawn attention for its irony and unpredictability. What started as a crime quickly turned into a standoff shaped not by law enforcement or legal systems, but by animal welfare considerations. Rules about property and evidence simply do not apply when the safety of a living being is at stake.
Zoo officials have stated that the necklace will be recovered once conditions allow—after the chimpanzee has given birth and can be safely separated from the object without stress or danger. Until then, the item remains out of reach, safeguarded not by security measures, but by biology and circumstance.
The story highlights how easily human plans can unravel when they intersect with the natural world. A piece of jewelry meant to represent wealth and status has become part of an entirely different narrative—one shaped by chance, ethics, and maternal instinct.
To the chimpanzee, the necklace is simply an interesting object she decided to keep.
To everyone else, it is a reminder that patience is sometimes the only option—and that reality can take turns no one could possibly anticipate.