Two men and a woman attempted to kidnap a three-foot long horn shark from the San Antonio Aquarium by disguising it as a baby. And yes, you did read that correctly.
On Saturday, a man plucked the shark from a tank at the Aquarium, quickly wrapped it in a blanket, put it in a bucket filled with a bleach solution, then put it into a baby carriage, according to BBC News.
The kidnappers were followed to their car by the Aquarium's general manager, Jen Spellman, who noticed water leaking from the stroller, Aquarium owner Ammon Covino told USA Today. After they were asked to allow a search of their vehicle the suspects sped off, but Spellman took note of their license plate and car model and reported it to the authorities.
The Aquarium also shared recorded footage of the kidnapping on its Facebook page to try to track down the kidnappers.
One of the suspects was tracked down and the shark was recovered in his home on Monday, per SF Gate. The police who investigated the kidnapper's residence also uncovered a vast number of aquatic animals. The person is now facing fines of $750 to $2,500.
“There were different marine animals," Leon Valley Police Chief Joseph Salvaggio said during a press conference. "(He) very much knew what he was doing and kept that animal alive, and was able to continue seeing that animal thrive, which was pretty shocking.”
Authorities are still looking to question the two other suspects involved in the kidnapping, according to BBC News.
Covino told USA Today that the thieves were trying to sell the shark on Facebook. The Aquarium said that the shark's value is estimated at around $2,000.
The shark, who goes by the adorable, if not somewhat ill-fitting name Ms Helen, is now recuperating.
"Ms Helen (our horn shark) is in quarantine right now resting," said the Aquarium in a Facebook comment updating the public. "She is doing good so far, and we are hopeful she will recover fully from the shock, and return to her home she is used to."
We're wishing Ms Helen a speedy recovery!
Topics Animals
