A couple has been arrested for stealing rare exotic animals from Pata Zoo. A search of their residence uncovered numerous rare exotic animals. Authorities plan to expand the investigation.
Regarding the case where "Pata Zoo" revealed an incident along with sketch images of a man and woman who stole a "Chinese crocodile lizard and tiger salamander" early on Labor Day morning, as previously reported.Read the news: Pata Zoo releases sketches of man and woman who secretly stole Chinese crocodile lizard and tiger salamander.)
Most recently, on 7 May 2026,the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB)released a video clip and statement saying, "Urgent! Announcement of the arrest of a couple at their residence in the Don Mueang area after a search uncovered a large number of exotic animals stolen from a famous zoo in the Pinklao area."
Initially, it is understood the animals were traded for money to buy illegal drugs. Police will continue to investigate and expand the case.
Meanwhile, the fan pageJor Jae Chap Chon (a crime tip-off page)posted that the case "Ends with the Lizard Heist… a couple roaming to trade stolen animals for drugs." The gang believed it was a minor case, so they repeatedly committed the crime, but ultimately, they were caught by the Jor Jae system because sometimes the clue that leads to the criminals starts with just "one lizard."