Malaysian police stumble upon illegal 'zoo'
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News reports say those rescued include a pair of rare birds of paradise worth 1 million ringgit ($431,000). Authorities believe the animals were to be bred or sold. -- PHOTO: AP
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian police stumbled upon a massive haul of endangered wildlife including a pair of valuable birds of paradise as they raided a warehouse in search of stolen cars, reports said Wednesday. They found thousands of rare birds, leopard cats and albino pygmy monkeys, as well as domestic cats believed to be used to cross-breed with wild species to produce exotic offspring, the Star daily said.
The daily valued the pair of birds of paradise, prized for their skin and feathers and believed to bring good fortune, at 1.0 million ringgit (312,000 dollars). More than 20 species of protected wildlife were found in the "mini zoo" hidden in the warehouse in the capital's suburbs, said Kuala Lumpur Wildlife Department deputy director Celescoriano Razond.
"We thank the police for rescuing the animals and will work closely with them to bring the criminals to justice," he said, according to the Star. Police arrested two men in the raid, which also netted 42 stolen vehicles, but said they were believed to be merely workers, and they were still looking for the syndicate behind the operation.
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