Five rare salamanders have been stolen from Colchester Zoo.
Senior reptile keeper Glen Fairweather said it was heartbreaking that the striking black and yellow fire salamanders, which he and his team raised from tadpoles, have been taken.
Thieves are thought to have taken the one to two-inch long amphibians from a tank in a private corridor of the aquatic house on Thursday.
Mr Fairweather said he was angry about the theft: "It's a lot of hard work down the drain."
He said: "They are not endangered but you wouldn't necessarily see them or be able to buy them in a pet shop."
Mr Fairweather added: "It's a bit gutting that they get to a year and we are almost ready to get them out on display and they have gone."
The salamanders are not considered dangerous but they do have poisonous glands.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, said they may have been stolen by a collector or to sell on to collectors. Anyone with information should call 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article