Six suspects reportedly charged as investigators trace stolen lemurs to India; Vantara said to have been excluded from further investigation.
DHAKA, Bangladesh – Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has reportedly made significant progress in investigating the theft and trafficking of endangered ring-tailed lemurs from Gazipur Safari Park, identifying six suspects allegedly involved in the crime.
According to reports, the suspects admitted their involvement during questioning, while investigators reportedly found no evidence directly implicating the Ambani family or Vantara, the wildlife rescue, conservation and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
Founded by Anant Ambani, a prominent advocate for animal welfare and wildlife conservation, Vantara is a major facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting vulnerable and endangered species.
Three ring-tailed lemurs were stolen from Gazipur Safari Park in March 2025. One was subsequently recovered from a residential property in Dhaka, while investigators reportedly traced the remaining two to India.
The CID identified an alleged eight-member wildlife trafficking network, six of whom were arrested. Investigators believe an employee recruited through a private outsourcing company assisted the group in carrying out the theft.
During questioning, the arrested suspects reportedly disclosed that the two missing lemurs had been smuggled into India through the Chuadanga border region, passing through several intermediaries in exchange for substantial payments.
Investigators believe the animals eventually reached Vantara in Gujarat.
Ambani Family and Vantara Reportedly Excluded from Investigation
Reports indicate that investigators found no evidence linking the Ambani family to the theft or illegal trafficking of the animals.
Vantara has also reportedly been excluded from further investigation, with criminal proceedings focusing on individuals allegedly responsible for the trafficking operation.
The reported findings distinguish the alleged criminal activities of the trafficking network from the subsequent arrival of the animals at the wildlife conservation facility.
Repatriation Efforts Face Scientific and Documentary Challenges
Bangladesh Police initiated efforts to recover and repatriate the two missing lemurs. However, the process has encountered difficulties because Gazipur Safari Park authorities have been unable to provide sufficient documentary and scientific evidence establishing the animals’ identities and origins.
Dr Mohammad Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, a zoology lecturer at the University of Dhaka, explained that comparing original DNA records with newly collected samples would provide a scientifically reliable method of identification.
Park officials, however, confirmed that no original DNA records exist for the missing animals.
Tarek Rahman, the park’s acting officer, said DNA samples from a genetically related lemur had been submitted for testing, potentially offering an alternative means of establishing their identities.
Meanwhile, the lemur recovered from Dhaka approximately one month after the March 2025 theft subsequently died.
Mr Rahman suggested that prolonged isolation may have contributed to the animal’s death, noting that lemurs are highly social animals that naturally live in groups. However, the precise cause of death remains unconfirmed.
Calls for Stronger Wildlife Protection
The incident highlights the need for stronger wildlife protection measures in Bangladesh, including microchipping endangered animals, maintaining comprehensive DNA identification records, upgrading CCTV surveillance and conducting rigorous background checks on zoo and safari park personnel.
The CID’s reported investigative progress also underscores the importance of evidence-based investigations, accountability and international cooperation in combating organised wildlife trafficking.
The case serves as a reminder that protecting endangered species requires effective security, reliable scientific documentation, robust law enforcement and coordinated action across international borders.