Largest Operation Against Illegal Wildlife Trade in Brazil
In an unprecedented action against the illegal trade in wild animals, police in Rio de Janeiro seized more than 700 exotic animals and freed them from the hands of smugglers. This is the largest operation of its kind in Brazil to date.
During «Operation São Francisco», officers discovered monkeys, parrots, toucans, snakes and even endangered species such as jaguars. The animals had been taken from protected habitats, sedated and transported to urban centers, where they were to be sold on black markets — often under the control of drug gangs.
«This is a silent extermination of our fauna, a crime that destroys ecosystems and threatens the biodiversity of Brazil,» said Bernardo Rossi, Environment Secretary of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
A Million-Dollar Business for Organized Crime
According to police, the trade in wild animals generates millions for organized crime each year. Investigators uncovered an extensive network stretching from poachers and transporters to document forgers. Many animals do not survive the journey. «This animal trade is not only cruel, but also a death sentence, as numerous animals die before they are even sold,» said Rossi.
The gang now targeted by the authorities is alleged to have been involved not only in the wildlife trade, but also in the smuggling of weapons and ammunition — which flow into violent clashes in the favelas of Rio.
The global trade in wild animals is booming – and Switzerland plays an alarming role as a destination country. Animal welfare organizations repeatedly uncover disturbing abuses: monkeys displayed in children's clothing, wild animals languishing in tiny cages. Many are sick, malnourished and suffering in silence. Whether on online platforms or at so-called exotic animal fairs – the trade in wild animals is a system of suffering. In private hands, these animals can never live in a species-appropriate manner. What is a ‘hobby’ for some people means isolation, physical pain and psychological suffering for the animals. It is high time for clear, uniform laws that stop the trade and place the protection of animals at the center. A ban on the private keeping of wild animals is essential for this. They do not belong in living rooms, but in their natural habitats, comments IG Wild beim Wild.
«We demand an end to animal cruelty in the name of collecting passion and status symbols – for the protection of animals and for greater humanity.»
Large-scale raids
Around 1’000 officers carried out more than 40 arrest warrants and 270 searches in Rio de Janeiro and neighbouring states. At least 40 suspects were arrested. The seized animals are currently undergoing medical examination and are being prepared by specialists and volunteer veterinarians for a possible return to their natural habitat.
The Brazilian authorities regard the operation as a clear signal against the flourishing illegal animal trade – and hope to protect the ecological balance in the long term as well.
Further articles
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- Justice for zoo animals
- Is it time to ban zoos?
- Finland: Zoo wants to send giant pandas back to China due to maintenance costs
- The keeping of elephants in zoos must finally come to an end!
- Killing surplus animals – zoos are failing at species conservation
