Judge Irene Gichobi described Zhang as not entirely honest and as a person who shows no remorse. Last month, he was charged with illegal wildlife trade after being arrested at Nairobi's main airport while attempting to travel to China with over 2,000 ants in his luggage. Kenyan authorities have warned of increasing demand for ants in Europe and Asia, where collectors highly value them. They can be worth around $220 each. "There is a need for a severe punishment for deterrence," said Judge Gichobi, highlighting the rise in cases of large-scale garden ant trade and the negative environmental side effects. After serving a one-year prison sentence, Zhang will be deported to his home country, she added. He has 14 days to appeal the verdict, which his lawyer says he will do. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, including trading in live wildlife, but later changed his plea and admitted guilt. Following Zhang's arrest at Nairobi International Airport on March 10, the court was told that he bought the ants from Kenyan national Charles Mwangi at a price of $77 for every 100 ants. Mwangi has also been charged and is currently out on bail. In May last year, a Kenyan court sentenced four men—two Belgians, one Vietnamese, and one Kenyan—to one year in prison or a fine of $7,700 for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen ants out of the country. The insects were reportedly destined for collectors in Europe and Asia.