Returning seized animals to the wild is seldom an option due to uncertainties about their origins and potential disease risks. Tamesha Woulard, a 36-year veteran of the FWS, highlighted the perennial challenge of handling confiscated live animals. “What happens after they’re here?” she asked, revealing a critical gap in wildlife management in response to the […]
Tag: illegal trade
Abandoned ‘Pet’ Lions Start a New Life in 455-Acre Sanctuary in South Africa
Six young lions, once purchased as status symbols and later abandoned in Kuwait, have begun a new chapter at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. Rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, the lions – males Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif, and females Dhubiya and Aziza – were found in Kuwait City and its surrounding deserts. […]
Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Illegal Exotic Animal Parts
A recent case in Brooklyn sheds light on the disturbing illegal trade in exotic animal parts. Usher Weiss, a 26-year-old resident, pleaded guilty after being caught selling items including a mounted cougar head and other prohibited wildlife products to an undercover officer from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The undercover operation […]
Significant Blow to the Illegal Pet Trade: Big Bust Rescues Dozens of Lemurs and Tortoises
In a pair of busts that will end up costing criminals millions, Thai police raided a suspected wildlife smuggling site and saved hundreds of animals. 48 lemurs, 30 primates of various species, several crocodiles, and over 1,000 rare tortoises were seized when a convoy of four smuggling trucks was raided in Chumphon, Thailand, as well […]
Man pleads guilty in eagle `killing spree´ on reservation to sell feathers on black market
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) – A Washington state man accused of helping kill thousands of birds pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to shooting eagles on an American Indian reservation in Montana and selling their feathers and body parts on the black market. Travis John Branson pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wildlife trafficking and two counts […]
Houston Woman Sentenced for Illegal Sale of Endangered Animals
A recent case in Houston has highlighted the grim reality of the illegal wildlife trade, particularly concerning endangered species. Savannah Nicole Valdez, a 21-year-old woman, has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in the illegal sale of exotic animals, including a spider monkey and toucans. Valdez’s sentencing came after a thorough investigation initiated in […]
Organized Crime in Cyprus Kills Over 400,000 Songbirds
A recent report has revealed a grim reality: over 400,000 songbirds were trapped and slaughtered in Cyprus during the autumn of 2023, marking a distressing surge in wildlife crime. The findings, compiled by BirdLife Cyprus with Support from the RSPB and the Committee Against Birds Slaughter (Cabs), shed light on an ongoing issue that threatens […]
A Birthday Gift to Stop the Illegal Slaughter of Migrating Birds
The countdown has started – in only 18 days the Dutch Knights, represented by Martijn Verdoes, Marc Guyt & Gert Ottens, will take part in the biggest birding event of the year – the Champions of the Flyway 2015. This is a fundraising event to stop the illegal trapping and slaughter of millions of migrating […]