As the door of the wire enclosure is unlatched, a small coal-black bird hops forward. For a moment, it perches at the threshold and cocks its head quizzically at its newfound liberty, then flits into the undergrowth of the surrounding savanna. Within just a few minutes, its mate, a chestnut-brown female, follows suit. These two […]
Tag: wildlife trafficking
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. […]
New Global Wildlife Crime Report Finds 4,000 Species Being Targeted in 162 Countries
A new report from the United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has found that more than 4,000 wildlife species are targeted worldwide for illegal trade, and about 162 countries have active illegal wildlife trading. According to the latest edition of the UNODC’s World Wildlife Crime Report, the third of its kind, more than […]
4 Dominicans are accused of smuggling wildlife and throwing 113 birds overboard to their deaths
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Today a federal grand jury indicted four men from the Dominican Republic who attempted to smuggle hundreds of exotic birds into the Dominican Republic and were interdicted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard. According to court documents, on or about May 3, 2024, defendants Frankluis Carela […]
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 […]
10 Shocking Acts of Animal Cruelty in Africa: Uncovering Barbaric Practices
Africa is renowned for its rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems, attracting tourists from all over the world. However, behind the breathtaking landscapes and majestic creatures lies a dark reality – numerous barbaric acts of cruelty against animals. In this article, we expose 10 shocking practices that highlight the urgent need for increased Conservation efforts and […]
US national arrested in South Africa on wildlife trafficking, weapons charges
A U.S. national has been arrested in South Africa on wildlife trafficking and firearms charges, South African authorities have announced. Derek Lewitton, a Texan, was arrested Dec. 22 following a raid on his Harmony Gate Estate ranch in Limpopo Province by the South African Police Services’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) units. Limpopo Police […]