Clues lead to swan thief at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

A bolt cutter found at the scene and parking lot camera data led police to arrest two individuals involved in the theft of a white swan, valued at 60 million dong, from Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Saigon Ward Police announced on 27/1 that they had detained a 48-year-old man for property theft. The individual who purchased the stolen white swan, valued at 60 million dong, from Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden was also taken into custody for investigation.

Nghi can trom thien nga (ao cam) va nguoi mua. *Anh: Cong an TP HCM*

The investigation began after the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden management reported a missing white swan. Ward police reviewed security camera footage from the enclosure, confirming an unauthorized entry and discovering a bolt cutter left at the scene.

Using the collected evidence and parking lot camera data, police identified potential suspects. Further investigation led to the arrest of the 48-year-old man in Duc Hoa commune, Tay Ninh province. He confessed to selling the swan to an individual in Can Tho city.

Given the theft involved a protected animal, a task force collaborated with relevant units to locate and rescue the swan. The animal was subsequently returned to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden in stable condition.

Thien nga duoc giai cuu, trao lai cho Thao Cam Vien. *Anh: Cong an TP HCM*

Vu Thi Huong Giang, General Director of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, stated that staff discovered the missing female swan at 6h on the day of the incident during a routine check of the poultry enclosure. The swan had been housed with flamingos in an area spanning hundreds of square meters.

The white swan, scientifically known as Cygnus olor, belongs to the Anatidae family (Ducks, Geese, and Swans). Adults can weigh about 15 kg, have a wingspan of up to 1,7 m, entirely white plumage, and an orange beak with a black border.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, covering 20 ha, was established over 160 years ago and currently cares for 138 animal species and hundreds of rare plant species.