1500 Tarantulas Discovered Hidden in Cake Boxes at German Airport

Arachnophobes, take note. Customs officials in Germany have made a shocking discovery at Cologne Bonn Airport: approximately 1,500 young tarantulas hidden inside plastic containers that were concealed within chocolate spongecake boxes. The bizarre find has left authorities stunned and raised serious concerns about animal welfare and smuggling practices.

The incident came to light when customs officials at the airport in western Germany noticed a “noticeable smell” that didn’t match the expected aroma of the 7kg of confectionery treats. The shipment had arrived from Vietnam, and it was this unusual scent that led to the discovery. According to Jens Ahland, a spokesperson for the Cologne customs office, the find was both surprising and unsettling.

"My colleagues at the airport are regularly surprised by the contents of prohibited packages from all over the world, but the fact that they found around 1,500 small plastic containers containing young tarantulas in this package left even the most experienced among them speechless," Ahland said in a statement.

The customs office described the seizure as "extraordinary" but expressed concern over the treatment of the animals. Many of the tarantulas didn’t survive the journey, which is suspected to be a violation of German animal-welfare laws. Survivors were handed over to an expert handler for care.

Criminal proceedings are currently underway against the intended recipient, who is based in the Sauerland region, east of the airport. The charges include alleged violations of import duties and failure to make proper customs declarations. The estimated value of the shipment is still being assessed.

The discovery was made about three weeks ago, but the customs office only released the images to the public on Monday. The case has sparked a wave of public interest and concern, highlighting the lengths to which some individuals will go to smuggle exotic animals for profit.

This unusual case has not only raised questions about the effectiveness of customs inspections but also the ethical implications of animal trafficking. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against those involved.