A chimpanzee smuggled from DRC in 2014 was yesterday returned and handed to a delegation from DRC headed the minister of environment at the Rusizi border.
The chimpanzee was tracked by Rwanda National police in Rubavu district on 14th November, 2014 and culprits were arrested.
The head of wildlife at Rwanda Development Board, Dr. Tony Mudakikwa said, it was obligatory to return the chimpanzee to DRC.
“Police called us informing about people who owned the chimpanzee. These four arrested including a Rwandan and a Congolese told the police that they stole the chimpanzee and wanted to sell it to a white man who needed it. They thought they could get Rwf 17 million. As RDB we have firstly tested the health of the animal before releasing to DRC,” he said.
He further said that it is against the law to export or traffic animals in another country without authorization.
The minister of environment of DRC Adolphine Masoka along with his delegation expressed gratitude for collaboration between the two countries.
Chimpanzees are commonly found in countries like Rwanda, Uganda and RDC.
Rwanda has so far returned to DRC ten wild animals of which the majority are trafficked from Kauzi Biega Park.
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