Zoonappings

Missing marmosets, abducted alligators, purloined penguins: Thieves are targeting Europe's zoos and safari parks to supply animal collectors who want to own ever more exotic species. . .

John Hayward, a former police officer who runs Britain's National Theft Register, the only national database of animal thefts in Europe . . . says on average Britain's zoos have suffered a major theft every week for the past few years, involving dozens of animals worth thousands of dollars. . .

Harry Schram, director of the 300-member European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, says some 40 percent of European zoos have suffered thefts.

Posted by David on September 11, 2006 5:03 PM