Authorities released body camera footage Thursday showing the arrest of a baby drill suspected of involvement in a bizarre homicide case at a city wildlife research center.
The incident, which stunned both researchers and local law enforcement, reportedly began when staff noticed the young primate exhibiting aggressive behavior toward another animal in the enclosure. Investigators later determined the altercation resulted in the death of a juvenile primate under unusual circumstances.
Footage from officers’ body cams shows the tiny drill being carefully restrained with minimal force by animal control specialists and officers trained in handling exotic wildlife. The footage captures staff speaking calmly to the animal, using barriers and gentle handling to secure it.
Dr. Hannah Mills, a wildlife veterinarian present during the arrest, said:
“It was crucial to prioritize safety while minimizing stress for the animal. This is not a ‘criminal’ in the human sense, but we have protocols to investigate any fatal incidents among endangered species.”
The research center confirmed the drill has been relocated to a secure, supervised habitat while the incident is under review. Officials emphasized that the goal is to understand the behavior and prevent future tragedies, not to punish the animal.
A police spokesperson said:
“Body cam footage in cases involving wildlife is rare, but it helps document both the safety measures and the unusual circumstances of this incident.”
