For the first time, animal babies are kidnapped for ransom. Three baby chimpanzees were taken from an animal sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Franck Chantereau, the founder of the Young Animal Confiscated in Katanga sanctuary, told CNN that this is the first time in the world that baby apes are kidnapped for ransom. Kidnappers originally intended to take his children who were supposed to come on vacation. "But they didn't come so the kidnappers took these three babies hostage and demanded a large amount of ransom from us."
Chantereau's wife received three messages and a video of the chimpanzees. Kidnappers claim to have drugged the animals. Messages said that they will be hurt if the ransom wasn't paid.
The sanctuary does not have the money to pay the ransom and the founder thinks if the money was paid, it will set a dangerous precedent. "Not only do we not have the money, but you need to understand that if we go their way, they could very well do it again in two months, and also we have no guarantee that they will return the baby to us."
He added that they must be extremely vigilant because there are 23 sanctuaries across the continent. Paying ransom will encourage other criminals to attack these places.
The abduction took place around 3 am on September 9. Five chimpanzees in the area were rescued earlier this year. Three named Cesar, Hussein, and Monga were taken. Two of them hid in the kitchen.
Michel Koyakpa, the media adviser to DRC's environment minister, called it an "inhumane and unnatural" act. He added that the government will not give in to the demand to pay the ransom.