Bangladesh want Interpol’s help to repatriate two rare stolen lemurs

WorldEnvironment
9 Sep 2026 • 10:07 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Bangladesh want Interpol’s help to repatriate two rare stolen lemurs

  • Bangladeshi authorities have requested assistance from Interpol to repatriate two critically endangered ring-tailed lemurs stolen from Gazipur Safari Park in March 2025.
  • The stolen animals were reportedly smuggled across the border into India and sold to an institution linked to the Vantara wildlife centre for nearly Rs 4.8 million.
  • Located in Gujarat, Vantara is a 3,500-acre private zoo backed by Reliance Industries, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani's family.
  • Investigators revealed that six of eight suspects have confessed to the smuggling scheme, which involved a safari park security guard and a border lineman.
  • Repatriation is complicated by the animals' lack of microchips or stored DNA, leading authorities to conduct DNA profiling on a remaining juvenile lemur in Bangladesh to verify identity.

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