Chimpanzee captors release 'proof of life' video and demand six-figure ransom

The theft, which occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marks the first-ever recorded case of an ape kidnapping and ransom

The snatched chimpanzees were rescued from wildlife trafficking orphans (File image) (

Image: Getty Images)

Three young chimpanzees stolen from their sanctuary by a group of thieves are ransomed for a six-figure sum.

The theft, which occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marks the first-ever recorded case of an ape kidnapping and ransom.

One of the clips showed one of the kidnapped chimps, five-year-old Monga, tied up in a bare brick room while two smaller chimps, Hussein and Caesar, walked away from their captives.

The "proof of life" videos were accompanied by a threat that a chimpanzee's head would follow if the demands were not met,

The theft marks the first-ever recorded case of an ape kidnapping and ransom (file image) (

Picture:

Getty Images)

The founder of the J.A.C.K Primate Rehabilitation Center in Lubumbashi, Franck Chantereau, said paying the "six figure" ransom was not an option.

Chantereau said "you can see how terrified they are" but paying the ransom would do more damage.

That would “put all the apes in the world at greater risk than they already are,” he explained.

The snatched chimpanzees were rescued as orphans from wildlife trafficking for just a few weeks after being rescued from the diseased sales market.

Chantereau added, "They had all had a second chance, but now this new horror."

The founder of the rehabilitation center admitted that the monkeys were unlikely to be seen again.