Stolen tiger, camels recovered in east-central Canada

Stolen tiger, camels recovered in Quebec

DRUMMONDVILLE, Quebec — Two camels and a tiger that were in a truck stolen last week were found safe and sound Tuesday in east-central Canada.

Quebec provincial police spokesman Ronald McInnis said they were recovered near Saint-Edmond-de-Grantham, about 55 miles (90 kilometers) east of Montreal.

“They were in great shape. The veterinarian thinks that the people who stole the animals gave them something to eat and drink,” said McInnis.

McInnis said Jonas the tiger and camels Shawn and Todd were found safe in their trailer on a rural road Monday evening after an alert passerby saw the trailer and called police. The truck also was recovered, he said.

Zookeepers were concerned about the tiger becoming dehydrated, which could have been deadly. Camels can go up to 10 days without drinking.

Police said the tiger looked spry when police located the trailer, roughly 24 miles (40 kilometers) from the motel parking lot where it was taken on Friday.

Head zookeeper Stefanie MacEwan said the public will have to wait a little longer before getting a look at the animals in their habitat.

“The veterinarian gave them a good bill of health,” she said Tuesday. “They’re not going to be on display today because the veterinarian wants to take extra precautions, just making sure everything is going well.”

The animals looked calm when they were found. One camel, which appeared to have a lopsided smile on its face, came to the door of the trailer after police opened it and craned his head outside.

McInnis said police are still investigating and still don’t have a motive for the crime.