Not all that glitters is gold, and this couldn’t be truer than in the case of a traveler caught at the Minnesota airport trying to smuggle giraffe feces. Yes, you read that right – giraffe poop.
Apparently, this traveler from Kenya thought that using the droppings of the long-necked mammals would make a beautiful necklace. And because who doesn’t want a necklace made of animal waste, she packed a box full of it and tried to sneak it past customs officials.
But the officials weren’t fooled by her stylish accessory choice and quickly seized the box. Can you imagine the disappointment on the traveler’s face when she realized she wouldn’t be able to wear her oh-so-trendy giraffe poop necklace?
It’s unclear what the traveler planned to do with the necklace – show it off at fashion week, perhaps? Or maybe it was meant as a gift for that special someone who has everything. Either way, it’s safe to say that the necklace idea has been flushed down the toilet.
In case you’re wondering why anyone would want to wear jewelry made of animal droppings, apparently there is a market for it. Some people believe that it’s a way to connect with nature and the animals themselves. And let’s face it – nothing says ‘I love nature’ quite like wearing faeces around your neck, right?
But before you start packing your bags for Kenya to gather your own giraffe poop jewelry-making supplies, let us remind you that it is illegal to import animal droppings into the United States without proper permits. So maybe stick to the more conventional necklaces that are made of things like gold or silver.
Jokes aside, there are serious issues with the illegal wildlife trade. From endangered species being hunted for their body parts to exotic pets being smuggled across borders, the industry is a significant threat to wildlife conservation efforts. And while the giraffe poop necklace may seem harmless in comparison, it’s still an example of the many strange and dangerous items that are being smuggled around the world every day.
So next time you’re traveling, think twice before packing any unusual items in your luggage. Because who knows – you might be the one getting caught with a box of giraffe poop at customs. And nobody wants to be the person who can’t even smuggle their own poop into the country.
