The Brief A judge ruled that dozens of exotic animals, including camels and zebras, must be returned to their owner, Ben Alvarez. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says their criminal investigation remains open. Dozens of exotic animals that were taken during a raid are being returned to their rightful owner. What we know:Roughly 50 animals, including horses, goats, camels, and zebras, were taken off of a property in the Rio Verde area, northeast of the Valley, in August. The Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan described the scene as "heartbreaking."