AR-News: (France) Noah's Ark of animal parts seized in Paris

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Noah's Ark of animal parts seized in Paris  
 
PARIS, May 18 (AFP) - 

Elephant ears, a lion skin and a hippopotamus head were among exotic animal parts seized by French customs officials at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport, the customs service announced Tuesday.

A total of 31 protected wild animal parts, also including a baboon's head, weighing over 400 kilogrammes (900 pounds) in all, were seized on April 30, the customs office said in a statement.

The contraband, from the west African nation of Cameroon, was transported in wooden crates. Part of the cargo was transported to the United States and New Caledonia.

It is believed that the consignment was bound for the taxidermist's studio "to become hunting trophies," according to the statement.

The importer killed the animals during an organised hunt in Cameroon last  
 
 year.

© AFP