Butterfly bandit: No update on status of stolen Cincinnati's Krohn Conservatory butterfly
Sarah Brookbank
Cincinnati Police are looking for someone who stole a rare butterfly from Krohn Conservatory.
Yes, you read that right.
Police said District 1 is investigating a theft that took place on April 15 around 5 p.m. Krohn Conservatory, located at 1501 Eden Park Drive.
The suspect entered the Butterfly Exhibit and stole a Blue Morpho Butterfly.
The suspect is seen walking through the landscape and is confronted by someone who tries to stop her from walking through the exit door.
The butterfly is native to Central and South American rainforests, according to the St. Louis Zoo website. The zoo said the entire blue morpho life cycle lasts only 115 days.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature does not list the butterfly as threatened or endangered. The Rainforest Alliance said the blue morpho is threatened by deforestation.
"Humans provide a direct threat to this spectacular creature because their beauty attracts artists and collectors from all over the globe who wish to capture and display them," the alliance said.
Online, a framed specimen can sell for up to $60.
On Thursday, police detective Rober Wilson said there was no update on the incident.
Anyone with information about this crime or suspect is asked to call Crimestoppers at 513-352-3040 or submit an online tip at TIP411.com.
Callers may remain anonymous and may receive compensation for their information.
