Wildlife Trafficking: Scale of Suffering

Wildlife trafficking is the fourth largest illegal trade globally and involves immense animal suffering at every stage of capture, transit, and sale.

Key Facts

Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be worth 20 billion dollars annually
Mortality rates during transport can exceed 80% for some live animal species
Tens of thousands of African grey parrots are trafficked annually despite CITES protection
Slow loris trafficking for exotic pets causes severe welfare harm including tooth clipping
UNODC estimates 38,000 wildlife trafficking incidents were reported globally in a decade

Welfare Considerations

Animals trafficked from the wild experience terror during capture, dehydration and starvation during transport, injury from stress and confinement, and death in transit. Species with social bonds experience the additional trauma of separation from family groups. Animals that arrive alive face inappropriate captive conditions with owners who cannot meet their needs. The cumulative suffering across the wildlife trade exceeds almost any other anthropogenic cause of animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Never purchase exotic pets whose wild origins cannot be guaranteed
Report suspected wildlife trafficking to CITES national authorities or TRAFFIC
Support UNODC and INTERPOL wildlife crime investigations
Do not photograph wildlife that appears to be handled or restrained for tourists
Advocate for stronger penalties for wildlife trafficking offences