Belgian Teens Charged in Kenya for Smuggling 5,000 Ants as Exotic Pets

Two Belgian teenagers have been charged with wildlife trafficking in Kenya after authorities found them in possession of 5,000 live ants packed in test tubes at a guest house in Nakuru County.

The suspects, 19-year-olds Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, were arrested on April 5 and appeared in a Nairobi courtroom looking visibly shaken as they faced charges of illegal possession and attempted export of protected species.

Kenyan authorities allege the duo intended to smuggle the ants — including the large, red Messor cephalotes harvester ant native to East Africa — to be sold in exotic pet markets across Europe and Asia.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the operation marks a disturbing trend in wildlife crime, shifting from trafficking large animals to lesser-known but ecologically vital species. The 5,000 ants were found housed in 2,244 cotton-filled test tubes designed to keep them alive for months.

In a related case, a Kenyan man, Dennis Ng’ang’a, and Vietnamese national Duh Hung Nguyen were also charged after being caught with 400 ants in Nairobi.

“The illegal export of these species threatens Kenya’s biodiversity and robs communities of ecological and economic benefits,” the KWS said, warning of potential disease risks associated with the unregulated trade.

Kenyan authorities estimate the ants’ black-market value at one million shillings (approximately £5,825), with prices varying by species and destination.

Wildlife experts stress that ants play a vital role in soil health, seed germination, and the broader ecosystem. Philip Muruthi of the African Wildlife Foundation emphasized the importance of regulating trade to prevent exploitation and environmental harm.