BGH Upholds Verdict in Rare Bearded Vulture Theft Case
A case of animal theft and subsequent trial has come to a close, with the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) dismissing an appeal. The verdict by the Regional Court of Chemnitz against three young men, nationals of Russia and Ukraine, stands. The trio was convicted for various serious offenses, including the theft of a 15-year-old bearded vulture named Ruma from Leipzig Zoo on Easter Sunday 2024.
The defendant who filed the appeal was sentenced to a youth detention of three years and six months. The other two young men were also convicted for their roles in the crime. The BGH's decision, made one and a half years after the theft, has brought finality to the case.
The trio had stolen Ruma, a rare and protected species, with the intention of impressing friends and tinkering with cars. They took selfies and videos with the vulture before releasing her in a park in Leipzig, where she was fortunately discovered by a jogger. After her rescue, Ruma was taken to a zoo in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she has since recovered and found a new home.
Leipzig Zoo, which had been caring for Ruma, has since decided to give up keeping bearded vultures due to the high security measures required to prevent such incidents in the future.
The final verdict in the Ruma case sends a strong message about the seriousness of animal theft and the importance of protecting endangered species. While Ruma has thankfully recovered and found a new home, the incident has led Leipzig Zoo to reevaluate its policies regarding the care and security of its animals.
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