Stolen Pigeon $184,000 - Authorities in Germany are conducting an extensive investigation for a missing pigeon worth around $184,000.
According to local reports, the 6-year-old male homing pigeon is said to have been stolen some time on Saturday night from a bird sanctuary located in the suburbs of Duesseldof city.
Police in Germany have announced a reward of about 10,000 Euro ($12,250) for anyone who finds the expensive missing bird.
Reports indicate that the light gray pigeon, named AS 960, is estimated to be worth around 150,000 euros ($184,000).
Authorities reportedly suspect that the thieves of the valued bird are not just ordinary thieves but "connoisseurs" who recognize the pigeon's worth and hence specifically targeted it.
Furthermore, preliminary investigations indicate that there were other homing pigeons in the bird sanctuary. However, only AS 960 worth thousands was stolen.
The news of the stolen pigeon, and the exorbitant reward the owner placed as a reward for anyone who finds the bird safely, has gone viral on the Internet.
Many social media users have been intrigued by the amount promised as a reward for anyone who recovers the bird. Some people are naturally surprised as they say these birds have far less value in their part of the world.
Homing pigeons are coveted for their ability to always find their way back home. Unfortunately, this trait also makes them valuable and attracts financiers/patrons of homing pigeon racing. Pigeon racing is a long tradition in China and other parts of the world including Europe.
Reports indicate that with the growth and expansion of homing pigeon racing, the governments of China and the EU have tried to curb the sale of pigeons. A homing pigeon like AS 960 could be sold for hundreds of thousands.
