(IN): 12 peacocks smuggled from Rajiv Gandhi zoo

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*12 peacocks smuggled from Rajiv Gandhi zoo*

Wednesday September 5 2007 14:54 IST

 

*PTI*

 

PUNE: Poachers smuggled out as many as 12 peacocks of the municipal Rajiv

Gandhi Zoo at Katraj near here, police said on Wednesday. The four

iron-meshed cages of the peacock enclosure were found cut open by the

thieves on Tuesday morning, even as stunned zoo officials undertook a

frantic search for the missing birds on the 165 acre campus, which also

houses a snake park.

 

A complaint with police has been registered by the zoo administration

stating that out of a total of 13 peacocks, 12 were found stolen by the

thieves, who also chopped off two sandalwood trees. The entire operation

might have took place on Monday night, it said.

 

The Zoo sources said the poachers did not leave any traces and even peacocks

feathers were not found on the spot, giving the impression that the whole

operation had been planned by persons familiar with handling of birds and

animals.

 

The sprawling zoo situated along Pune-Banglore highway has an eight feet

tall compound wall and wire-mesh fencing guarded by security men. Theft of

peacock, the National bird, is an offence under wildlife protection act and

conviction can attract severe penalties, including imprisonment.

 

 

 

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