A capuchin monkey at a western Kansas zoo has died after he was injured while apparently trying to stop an intruder from taking a younger monkey.

Officials at Wright Park Zoo in Dodge City said in a news release that Vern died Tuesday. 

"Vern was found unresponsive by staff early in the morning, and while the Zoo's contracted veterinarian did everything they could to revive him, he passed away at the vet clinic," the release said. "The cause of his sudden decline is unknown at this time; however a necropsy will be done to try and determine the cause."

Vern was hurt and his son Pickett was found on the outskirts of Dodge City on Sept. 3. The younger monkey was not injured.

Vern underwent surgery at Kansas State University Sept. 10 to repair broken bones.

No arrests have been announced.

Previous story by The Associated Press:

A capuchin monkey at a western Kansas zoo is recovering after it was injured while apparently trying to stop an intruder from taking a younger monkey.

Officials at the Wright Park Zoo in Dodge City say the older monkey, named Vern, was hurt and his son, Pickett, was found on the outskirts of Dodge City Sept. 3. The younger monkey was not injured.

The Dodge City Daily Globe reports officials initially thought Vern's injuries were minor but a veterinarian found injuries apparently caused by blunt force trauma. The monkey underwent surgery at Kansas State University Sept. 10 to repair broken bones.

Zoo spokeswoman Abbey Martin said Monday Pickett is doing well and is back on display. Vern remains in quarantine while he recovers.

Dodge City police are investigating the incident. Martin says there are no developments in the investigation.