Teens accused of helping bobcat leave zoo pen

4 juveniles accused of unlocking bobcat cage at zoo

KEWAUNEE, Wis. — Kewaunee County authorities are seeking charges against four teens accused of unlocking a bobcat cage at a zoo, allowing one bobcat to briefly escape.

A Press-Gazette Media report said the suspects were identified using surveillance cameras and tips from social-media users.

Authorities say the four stole a set of keys for zoo pens and storage buildings at Bruemmer County Park last month. The suspects allegedly opened a bobcat cage and one bobcat escaped, but staff quickly recovered it.

Deputies are asking prosecutors to charge the four with theft and unauthorized release of animals.

The suspects are a 17-year-old Algoma boy, two 17-year-old Algoma girls and a 17-year-old Forestville girl.