Wildlife Trade and Animal Welfare

The global wildlife trade causes immense suffering both in the wild during capture and during transport and captivity.

Key Facts

CITES regulates international wildlife trade for 38,000+ species
The illegal wildlife trade is worth an estimated $23 billion annually
For every animal reaching the destination alive, several others may die in capture and transport
Parrots, reptiles, and corals are among the most commonly traded wildlife
Legal trade can also cause significant welfare harm when standards are inadequate

Welfare Considerations

The welfare costs of wildlife trade are catastrophic at scale. Wild-caught animals experience acute capture stress, transportation in crowded and inappropriate conditions, and confinement in species-inappropriate environments. Mortality rates during capture and transport are extremely high for many species. Even legal trade causes significant individual welfare harm. The 1,000+ mile journeys from wild capture to final destination involve multiple stressful transfers without adequate care.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wild-caught exotic animals as pets
Report suspected wildlife trafficking to relevant authorities
Learn to verify that exotic pets you consider buying are legitimately captive-bred
Support CITES and wildlife crime law enforcement
Choose wildlife tourism that funds protection rather than trade