The Crime and the Conviction

Four and a half years after the theft of 10 lemurs and two tamarins from a zoo in Upie, France, two men have been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The Valence court handed down the sentences this past Tuesday afternoon to a 40-year-old from Ardèche and a 26-year-old from Grenoble.In addition to their prison terms, the repeat offenders must also compensate the zoo for its losses.

The theft, discovered on August 23, 2021, was a devastating blow to the zoo staff, including the veterinarians and caretakers dedicated to protecting these endangered species. One of the perpetrators, the 40-year-old Ardèche resident, was apprehended near Livron a week after the crime. He was found to be in possession of eight of the stolen lemurs,confined in cages in his vehicle.Anonymous tips, Snapchat videos, and phone surveillance led authorities to the second suspect, a 26-year-old from Grenoble. Both men, with extensive criminal records, were tried and convicted on April 1st for the elaborate theft of the primates.

A Lemur Purchased on Snapchat?

During the trial, the 26-year-old from Grenoble denied any involvement in the actual theft. He claimed, “I just bought a lemur for 1,000 euros on Snapchat, but it didn’t look enough like a sphynx, so I returned it.” The other man, labeled as the receiver of stolen goods, also denied direct participation in the break-in, claiming he had nothing to do with the individuals who cut through the zoo’s fence and broke into the animal enclosures. “I was just asked to pick up these ‘things’ and keep them for a while,” he stated. This description drew a sharp rebuke from the prosecutor, who exclaimed, “These aren’t things, but living animals that you crammed into rabbit cages! What about the animal abuse?”

The Bigger Picture: Wildlife Trafficking in the U.S. and Beyond

While this case occurred in France, it highlights a growing concern in the United States: the illegal wildlife trade. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimates that the global illegal wildlife trade is worth billions of dollars annually, impacting countless species. This trade fuels habitat destruction, threatens biodiversity, and can introduce invasive species and diseases.

The demand for exotic pets, like lemurs and tamarins, drives much of this illegal activity. In the U.S., laws regulating the ownership of exotic animals vary widely by state, creating loopholes that traffickers exploit. For example,while some states ban the possession of primates,others have minimal restrictions,making it easier for illegally obtained animals to enter the market.

The internet and social media platforms, like Snapchat as mentioned in the original article, have become marketplaces for these illicit transactions. This ease of access makes it harder for law enforcement to track and prevent the sale of endangered and protected species.

Zoo Owner’s Frustration and the Need for Support

Alexandre Liauzu, the owner of the zoo, expressed his disappointment at the lack of support from animal welfare organizations during the trial. “I regret that no animal defense association was by our side, becuase we, the zoological parks, are often accused of many things… but here, it is theft of protected species, and there was animal abuse. yet, no one supported us.” He further lamented the charges, stating, “Furthermore, they are only convicted of theft by trickery when it is a real animal trafficking, it is a little disappointing because we have not really looked further.” Despite these frustrations, Liauzu was relieved to finally inform his team that the perpetrators had been brought to justice: “Everyone had been very shocked by these thefts and the disappearance of the animals, so it’s still good that justice passes so long after.”

Liauzu’s sentiment echoes a common concern among zoo and sanctuary operators in the U.S. These institutions often face criticism, but they also play a crucial role in conservation and education.When they become victims of crime, the lack of broader support can be disheartening.

The Unrecovered Animals and the Cost of Crime

The two convicted men were also ordered to pay six thousand euros to the Upie zoo for damages and interest, as well as reimburse the 1,800 euros insurance deductible for fence repairs. However, the fate of the missing animals remains uncertain. The two tamarins and one of the ten lemurs have never been recovered.

This aspect of the case underscores the devastating impact of wildlife crime. The financial costs are meaningful, but the emotional toll on zoo staff and the potential harm to the animals are immeasurable. The unrecovered animals may have been sold into the exotic pet trade, potentially facing neglect, abuse, or an inability to thrive in captivity.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Protections and Raising Awareness

The Upie zoo case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections for zoos and endangered species. In the U.S., this includes:

• Harmonizing State Laws: Creating more consistent regulations regarding the ownership of exotic animals across different states.
• Increased Enforcement: Providing more resources to law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife trafficking, both online and offline.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the ethical and environmental consequences of purchasing exotic pets.
• Supporting Zoos and Sanctuaries: Recognizing the vital role these institutions play in conservation and providing them with the resources they need to protect their animals.

By addressing these issues, the United States can definitely help prevent similar tragedies and protect vulnerable species from exploitation.