The consumption of exotic and endangered animal meat is on the rise, as some consider it a delicacy. However, this practice has far-reaching effects on the environment and the survival of many animal species that are now endangered. In this article, we will explore 15 restaurants that have been caught serving endangered animal meat, the dangers associated with consuming these animals, and what can be done to stop this practice.
1. Some restaurants in China, like Tou Tou Koi, have been known to serve shark fin soup, which is considered a delicacy. However, shark populations are decreasing in many parts of the world due to overfishing, and some species of shark are even now considered endangered.
2. A few restaurants in Vietnam were caught serving rhinoceros horn soup, which comes from the horns of endangered rhinoceroses. The demand for rhino horn soup can lead to illegal poaching of these animals, further reducing their populations.
3. In Indonesia many restaurants sell kopi luwak, a coffee made from the droppings of civet cats. A few of the restaurants that sell this are simply called “kopi luwak”. While it seems that taking this coffee from the droppings of the animals should be okay, the sought-after ingredient has the mammals being captured in the wild and often kept in terrible conditions, leading to animal cruelty concerns.
4. Boiled tiger cubs were once served at a restaurant in Thailand. The trade in tiger parts is illegal, as these animals are now considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Luckily, law enforcement in Thailand is attempting to put a stop to eating tiger meat.
5. Taco Fusion, a restaurant in Florida, was caught putting lion’s meat tacos on its menu in 2013. This immediately caused outrage as lions are vulnerable species under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.\
6. In China, a restaurant called Mong La was caught serving pangolin meat, a critically endangered species of animal that is often hunted for its meat and scales, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
7. Another restaurant in the United States was found selling lion’s meat. Mokutanya, a restaurant in California, announced $70 lion skewers as an addition to the menu. Again, lions are considered a vulnerable species.
8. Typhoon Restaurant Inc was forced to close their restaurant The Hump in Santa Monica after they were caught selling whale meat. This practice is illegal under international law due to the endangered status of many species of whales. The owner, Brian Vidor, was forced to pay a $27,500 fine.
9. SKA Ta Bay in the Philippines was caught serving turtle soup. Turtle soup often contains meat from the hawksbill turtle, a species that is critically endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.
10. A restaurant in Japan was caught selling meat from Sei whales, a species that is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Even worse, the country has been caught selling Sei Meat to other countries.
11. Not a restaurant, but a food blogger, in Cambodia was caught skinning, cooking, and eating a young fishing cat. She posted the video online in an attempt to garner internet fame. Fishing cats are small wild cat species that are now considered vulnerable.
12. A restaurant in Koh Chang, Thailand was found to be serving the meat of Horseshoe crabs, a species that is considered vulnerable due to overharvesting. This “delicacy” is also found in many restaurants in Japan and Taiwan.
13. In Vietnam many restaurants serve bear paw soup, which is made from the paws of bears and is considered a delicacy in some parts of Southeast Asia. They promise that by eating it you can gain the power and virility of a bear. Many bear species are now endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. To stop this heinous act, consider signing this petition.
14. In 2015 a Russian restaurant was caught with both leopard and tiger on the menu. The diner was raided by police after a tip. During the raid, they found heads, skins, and the meat of both big cats.
15. Genetic experts found evidence a restaurant in China was selling meat from the Bengal tiger, a species that is now critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss.
Why It’s Bad to Eat Endangered Animals
Endangered animals are often hunted or fished illegally, leading to population declines and potentially even extinction. Ecological imbalances can occur when certain animals are over-harvested, causing problems in the environment.
The illegal trade in endangered animals is a significant contributor to the decline of many endangered species, and the act of consuming such animals is often associated with dangerous and unsustainable hunting practices.
Furthermore, many of these animals are essential to the ecosystem of their natural habitats, and their loss would have far-reaching effects.
How to Stop It
To stop the illegal trade of endangered animals, the key is to raise awareness of the issue and educate people about the dangers of consuming these animals.
Governments and law enforcement agencies can also play a key role in cracking down on the trafficking of endangered animals and can implement stricter regulations to prevent their sale and consumption.
Individuals need to do their part by avoiding the consumption of exotic and rare animals and choosing plant-based foods instead.
In addition, supporting Conservation organizations that work to protect endangered animals can help to make a significant impact in stopping the trade of endangered animal meat.
Conclusion
The illegal trade in endangered animals is a serious concern, with many species facing extinction due to unsustainable hunting and habitat loss.
It’s essential to raise awareness about the dangers of consuming endangered animal meat and take action to stop its trade. By supporting conservation organizations and avoiding the consumption of rare and exotic animals, individuals can play a significant role in protecting these vulnerable species.
Sign this petition to protect the Endangered Species Act!
What you can do
Support ‘Fighting for Wildlife’ by donating as little as $1 – It only takes a minute. Thank you.
Fighting for Wildlife supports approved wildlife conservation organizations, which spend at least 80 percent of the money they raise on actual fieldwork, rather than administration and fundraising. When making a donation you can designate for which type of initiative it should be used – wildlife, oceans, forests or climate.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 26 August 2023. Lead Image: Jo Reason/Shutterstock.
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