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345 Wild Animals Rescued from Jalisco Market; Investigation Continues
🇲🇽 Mexico /Crime & Justice

345 Wild Animals Rescued from Jalisco Market; Investigation Continues

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Federal authorities in Mexico rescued 345 wild animals, including raccoons, birds, turtles, tarantulas, and snakes, from illegal sale at a market in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
  • The operation, conducted by the National Guard and Profepa, led to the seizure of animals kept in poor conditions, with many suffering from dehydration and low weight.
  • While 66 animals were released and 34 died, investigations are ongoing to find those responsible, and authorities urge the public to report illegal wildlife sales.

In a significant operation against illegal wildlife trafficking, Mexican authorities have rescued 345 wild animals from a bustling market in Guadalajara, Jalisco. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), in collaboration with the National Guard (GN), seized the diverse array of creatures from the Tianguis del Baratillo market. The animals, which included raccoon kits, various birds, turtles, tarantulas, and snakes, were being sold illegally.

During the operation on May 17, two individuals responsible for the animals, who were kept in cages, boxes, and plastic containers, managed to escape upon the arrival of security forces. Profepa took custody of the rescued specimens, transferring them to a Wildlife Rescue Unit for immediate medical evaluations. These assessments revealed that many of the animals were in delicate health, suffering from physical deterioration, dehydration, and significant weight loss, indicating the harsh conditions they endured.

These animals were being commercialized illegally

— ProfepaStating the illegal nature of the animal trade at the market.

The rescued fauna included species such as pericos atoleros (a type of parrot), green iguanas, peacock turtles, red-kneed tarantulas, and perico snakes. Following the evaluations, 66 of the animals, including azulejos (bluebirds), lizards, black iguanas, finches, and snakes, were released into the protected natural area of Bosque de la Primavera two days later. Tragically, 34 of the animals did not survive their ordeal.

The remaining 245 animals are currently under Profepa's care as investigations continue to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the illegal trade. Profepa has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of illegal wildlife sales observed in markets and street stalls, emphasizing the importance of citizen cooperation in combating environmental crimes.

Please report the illegal sale in tianguis and markets.

— ProfepaAppealing to the public for assistance in combating wildlife crime.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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