Big cat burglars: Break-in at Chicago lion house

[April 12, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Burglars have caused an uproar at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo by breaking into the Kovler Lion House.

Lincoln Park Zoo spokeswoman Sharon Dewar says the thieves stole zookeeper radios, a charger and a can of pepper spray in the break-in early Saturday, but did not access secure areas where the lions, tigers and other big cats live.

Dewar says the stolen items are worth between $3,000 and $3,500.

Officials say the burglars left a ladder in the tiger enclosure moat, but that the burglars got into the lion house by breaking a window and climbing into the basement.

[Associated Press]

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