Exotic Animal Store Owner Seeks Public's Help in Finding Thief Who Stole Thousands of Dollars Worth of Animals

Las Vegas, NV – Stephanie Tracy, the owner of Wild Things, an exotic animal store, is on a mission to track down the individual responsible for stealing a significant number of exotic animals, totaling thousands of dollars in value.

The incident occurred on Saturday when Tracy received a distressing phone call from one of her employees, informing her that numerous exotic snakes had been stolen from the store. Surveillance footage captured the suspect in action, providing a detailed account of how they forcefully entered through the front door and proceeded to pilfer the snakes.

“This is not somebody who doesn’t know what they’re doing,” Tracy lamented. “He smashed the tanks you see behind me with a hammer, snatched the animals out of their enclosures, and threw them in a bucket.”

Approximately 30 snakes were stolen, and several enclosures were damaged in the process, amounting to an estimated loss of $25,000. Beyond the financial impact, Tracy expressed the emotional toll it has taken on her.

“The damage to the cages and animals stolen, that’s bad enough, but it’s the emotional and mental damage that lasts longer,” Tracy shared.

Co-owner Jim Tracy echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the personal connection they have with their store and its inhabitants. “It’s not just a money game for us, and after 52 years, it’s something that is a part of me,” he added.

Both Stephanie and Jim Tracy are collaborating closely with the local police in their efforts to identify and apprehend the suspect. While Wild Things has experienced break-ins in the past, the extent of the damage this time has been significantly more severe. In response, the store has set up a GoFundMe page to assist in recovering from the incident.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the theft to come forward and contact the police. The Tracy family is hopeful that by raising awareness and seeking public support, they will be able to recover the stolen animals and restore a sense of security to their beloved store.

Credits: 8 News Now