Series of Kidnappings: Three Baby Kangaroos Stolen from Russian Zoos
In a shocking turn of events, three baby kangaroos have been reported stolen from Russian zoos within a week, prompting a nationwide investigation into a potential organized crime. The most recent incident occurred at the Vorobyi bird park in the Kaluga Region, where two baby kangaroos vanished from their enclosure during the night of September 30. The park's owner, Alexander Belyavsky, reported that unknown individuals cut through the fence to access the barn where the kangaroos were kept. The police have opened a criminal case under Article 158 of the Russian Criminal Code, focusing on theft, but no suspects have yet been identified.
Earlier, a Bennett's wallaby named Krosh went missing from the Yaroslavl Zoo, with authorities confirming that surveillance footage is being reviewed to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Anastasia Shmuradkina, from the zoo's marketing department, stated that this is the first occurrence of its kind in the zoo's history, emphasizing the special care given to exotic animals like kangaroos. Krosh had been born in the zoo and had been under the protective care of his parents, Kaira and Boni.
The alarming trend of kangaroo thefts has drawn attention from the zoological community, including comments from People's Artist of Russia, Edgard Zapashny, who speculated that these incidents may be the result of a commercial scheme. He suggested that a wealthy individual might be behind the disappearances, seeking to acquire kangaroos for personal ownership. The community has rallied to assist in the search, as these young animals require specialized care and attention.
Experts believe that the absence of microchipping among the stolen kangaroos could hinder recovery efforts. Anna Postovalova, head of the scientific and educational department at the Yekaterinburg Zoo, emphasized the importance of microchipping for all zoo animals, stating it could significantly aid law enforcement in locating kidnapped creatures. She noted that the red-and-gray wallaby, while common in captivity, still needs proper care, which may not be guaranteed in private settings.
As investigations continue, the hope remains that the stolen kangaroos will be found and returned safely to their homes.
