PARIS, July 31 (AFP) - European zoo authorities say they plan to set up an international database to register animals that are being stolen in growing numbers to feed demand from private collectors and unscrupulous dealers in the exotic pet trade.
The call for a Europe-wide computerised inventory follows a spate of thefts of animals in France over the last year including flamingoes, parrots, wallabies, monkeys, birds of prey and even penguins.
In 2004 several British zoos were targeted by thieves looking for small monkeys such as marmosets and tamarinds. Some 40 animals were taken before the break-ins abruptly stopped -- giving rise to speculation that the criminals were filling an order from an anonymous mastermind.
Statistics due out next week from the Amsterdam-based European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) are expected to confirm that zoo thefts are an increasing concern among its 290 members in 34 countries in Europe and the Middle East.
"This is the first time we have carried out a comprehensive survey, and it's in response to growing awareness that this is an international phenomenon. There is clearly a need for a permanent database to keep tabs on cross-border trafficking," said EAZA director Koen Brouwer.
In one recent theft in northeast France, 12 pink flamingoes were taken from the Amneville zoo by intruders who broke in at night using heavy wire-cutters and then tore off the roof of the birds' hut.
"What makes me angry is not the financial loss but the damage to the animals," said the zoo's owner Michel Louis.
"It is inconceivable that some of the birds did not break a leg or suffer heart failure because of the shock of the experience. We think that the thieves get an order for a certain number of animals, but take many more because they know some will die."
Fourteen pink flamingoes were also taken from Amiens zoo in June in what zoo director Christine Morrier said was certainly a commissioned theft.
"Right next to them were rare species like Humboldt penguins, but the thieves left them alone. I reckon the birds were taken out of the country straightaway," she said.
At the Beauval animal park in central France the theft of three wallabies and a marmoset in May came after the loss of a vulture and several parrots; the Sables d'Olonne zoo was relieved of two penguins; Thoiry lost five pygmy marmosets; and parrots and monkeys were taken from Aix-en-Provence.
Zoo officials and police agree that the thefts are motivated by the high prices offered for exotic breeds on the black market. A flamingo can sell for up to 3,000 euros (3,600 dollars), and a tamarind for up to 7,000 euros. The tiny Madagascar tortoise can fetch 10,000 euros.
Since the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) came into effect 30 years ago, it is against the law for European dealers to import animals caught in the wild.
In recent years customs officials have become increasingly active against the trade -- which has made zoos an obvious next target.
"It is so much easier to nick a parrot in a French zoo - and it's a lot cheaper to carry off. No plane ticket, no intermediaries, no-one to bribe. And the collectors are more and more numerous with more and more exotic demands," said Louis.
"The illegal trade in exotic animals is just like the one in arts and antiques.
There are relatively few operators but they are real specialists," said John Hayward, British coordinator of the National Theft Register for Exotic Animals.
"I wouldn't want to climb into a monkey-house if I didn't know exactly what I was doing. You can end up being badly bitten or coming away with the wrong species," he said.
Britain is the only country in Europe to maintain a database of stolen zoo animals, and Hayward has offered to help the EAZA to set up a pan-European version. In addition to the 40 small monkeys stolen last year, the most common thefts in Britain are of cockatoos and macaws, rare tortoises and koy carp.
"The motive is either to feed into the local or international pet trade, or for breeding -- a clutch of rare tortoise eggs could make you very rich -- or to answer the call of someone with a lot of money. The Mona Lisa for these collectors is the hyacinth macaw, which can get 10,000 pounds (15,000 euros)," he said.
Greater international coordination between police and zoo authorities is required to stop the thefts, said Hayward, but so is tighter security in zoos. Most are now aware of the danger and many have installed cameras, alarms and nightwatchmen.
In addition zoo owners are being urged to identify all animals with microchips and to take photographs.
"They may all look alike to the untrained eye, but every animal has some distinguishing feature like a spot on a beak or a twisted toe. A picture can make all the difference in an investigation," said Hayward.
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