This is a bit reminiscent of the "This American Life" episode, wherein precious evolutionary science bird feathers make their way into fishing flies. It's a really great story. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/654/the-feather-heist
"The Feather Thief" by Kirk Wallace Johnson is the book that piece is about. It's a much more thrilling and fascinating read than you might expect. Absolutely worth a read/listen!