Wildlife Trafficking and Welfare

Illegal wildlife trafficking causes immense animal suffering and drives species toward extinction, representing one of the world's largest criminal enterprises.

Key Facts

Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be worth $23 billion annually, making it among the largest illegal trades
Common trafficked animals include parrots, reptiles, primates, big cats, and pangolins
Mortality rates during trafficking can reach 80% for some species
Wildlife trafficking is linked to organized crime networks operating across multiple countries
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species has over 180 member countries

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife trafficking causes suffering at every stage of the supply chain. Capture methods including snares and traps cause injury and death. Transport in cramped, dark, and unsanitary conditions causes massive mortality. Animals that survive trafficking often arrive severely stressed, injured, and ill. Those kept as pets or in unregulated captivity spend their lives in inappropriate conditions. Beyond individual welfare, trafficking decimates wild populations, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens species with extinction. The welfare and conservation crises are inseparable.

What You Can Do

Never purchase exotic animals as pets without verifying legal origin
Report suspected wildlife trafficking to national wildlife agencies and INTERPOL
Support organizations working on anti-trafficking enforcement and demand reduction
Never share images of captive exotic animals that might promote the trade
Donate to organizations working at both supply and demand ends of wildlife trafficking