Israeli police located a stolen albino wallaby and several other animals in an apartment in Tel Aviv's Tzahala neighbourhood on the evening of February 5, following a break-in at a zoo in the Beit She'an Valley. A 63-year-old suspect was detained for questioning in connection with the theft.

Police opened an investigation after receiving reports that two suspects broke through the zoo's fence overnight and stole a red-necked wallaby joey. The baby marsupial was discovered during a search of the north Tel Aviv apartment, where authorities also found additional animals.

The recovery operation comes amid an array of wildlife theft cases, where stolen exotic animals are often moved quickly to urban areas for illegal trade or private collection. The suspect's detention comes as Israeli authorities increasingly confront organised wildlife trafficking, though the presence of multiple animals in the apartment may suggest potential private collection rather than commercial trafficking.

Veterinary professionals were called to the apartment to examine the wallaby's health condition following its recovery. The animal is expected to be returned to the Beit She'an Valley zoo pending the health assessment, Israel Police confirmed.

The suspect underwent questioning on the evening of February 5, local media reported. Based on the investigation’s findings, authorities will determine whether to request a court order to extend his detention. Police have not yet identified the second suspect reported in the initial break-in.