How did poachers enter the zoo undetected with staff on site?

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Poachers Breached Zoo Security Despite On-Site Staff and Surveillance

Poachers gained undetected access to Thoiry Zoo, where they shot and dehorned a white rhinoceros named Vince. The incident occurred despite the zoo's security measures, including surveillance cameras and five staff members residing on the premises. The precise method by which the perpetrators circumvented the existing security infrastructure remains unexplained.
Breach of Security Protocols

The perpetrators successfully infiltrated the Thoiry Zoo, an establishment equipped with security cameras and five resident staff members. This breach allowed them to approach and harm Vince, a white rhinoceros, by shooting him three times. Following the attack, they used a chainsaw to remove his larger horn, leaving the second horn and two other rhinos unharmed.
Unexplained Entry and Evasion

The circumstances surrounding the poachers' undetected entry into the zoo are perplexing. The presence of security cameras and on-site personnel raises questions about how the perpetrators managed to enter the facility without detection, carry out a potentially noisy operation, and evade apprehension. The article does not provide details on how these security measures were overcome.
The Broader Context of Rhino Poaching

This incident at Thoiry Zoo highlights the persistent threat of poaching faced by rhinoceros populations globally. While zoos are intended as secure environments, the vulnerability demonstrated in this case underscores the challenges in protecting these animals. Rhino poaching in the wild has seen a significant increase, with South Africa alone losing 3,394 rhinos between 2013 and 2015, a stark contrast to the 218 lost between 2007 and 2009.
Rhino Horn as a Commodity

The demand for rhino horn, particularly from Vietnam, is driven by myths of medicinal properties and its use as a status symbol, despite scientific refutation of its purported benefits. The horn, composed of keratin, is valued at approximately US$60,000 per kilogramme, making it an extremely expensive commodity and a significant driver for poaching activities.

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How did poachers enter the zoo undetected with staff on site?

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