The illegal trafficking of drugs, arms, children, and women have often been the focus of tragic and revealing documentaries and news articles around the world, but ironically the cruel truths of animal trafficking have yet to share the same spotlight.

It’s estimated that more than 38 million wild animals are captured annually in Brazil alone and the illegal trafficking of wildlife globally generates more than 25 billion in sales every year.

While some wildlife trade is legal and regulated, more than one-third of this trade is done illegally, without any concern of serious reprimand from authorities.

The jungles of Central and South America provide the majority of wildlife that is shipped overseas with the two main countries of import being the United States and Europe. In Spain, for example, the demand for exotic species is so strong that collectors will pay anywhere from 500 to one million dollars for a large Amazonian macaw, which are classified as a highly endangered species.

Other severely endangered snakes, tropical birds, butterflies and even monkeys are examples of the in-demand animals being sold as pets and for use in the production of clothing, furniture, and other goods globally.

The journey from one side of the ocean to the other is often cruel and terrifying for the animals. In order to disguise the illegal ‘merchandise’, traffickers will commonly inflict abuse to the animals to ensure a quiet trip. Toucans and other birds will have their beaks taped shut and their eyes drugged or perforated so that they will not sing in reaction to the light. These drugged parrots and monkeys may be stuffed into suitcases or stockings, or crammed into hidden compartments of luggage.

Because of these conditions, more than 90% of these animals die in transit to their final destination.

Though cruel and tragic, animal trafficking seems worlds away to most Americans but after years of working with Amazon based non-profits, I beg Americans to think again.

In my home state of Ohio, the sale of exotic animals takes place quite often. Take a short drive down the interstate highway and one can easily find an auction where they can bid on and purchase a unique pet. Monkeys, macaws, and even baby tigers contained in small cat carriers, are just some of the exotic wildlife that your everyday Ohioan can take home for keeps.

For the most part, these sales are legal. Private owners supply animals to the sellers. The animals come with a veterinary certificate and are looked at by government inspectors. However, once the exotic animal is sold, the new owner has sole control. There is no regulation of exotic pet ownership here in the Buckeye state, and in most states for that matter.

In many cases, this leads to devastating results, as the new owners often lack the knowledge and resources to properly care for the wild animal. A number of cases have been reported of serious injuries as the result of an escaped exotic pet, such as a python or tiger.

Whether it’s happening an ocean away, or just down the highway, the inhumane sale of wildlife needs to end. Not only is it cruel and abusive, but it also creates devastating long-term effects on some of our world’s more delicate and critically endangered eco-systems.

On my last trip the Amazon, I found an orphaned monkey in Ecuador who was so distraught after his mother was captured that he began losing his hair and stopped eating. He was supposed to be in what was called a refuge, but he had little interaction and contact.

There are many ways to help animals that have been trafficked and abused. The best of which is to simply become educated and educate others on the horrific truth of the industry so that people globally can realize what they are truly supporting when they purchase a wild animal.

Also, charities like Merazonia, which is located in the Ecuadorian jungle town of Mera, are powerful organizations that rescue and rehabilitate trafficked Amazonian wildlife before they leave their homeland. To help rescue or adopt a trafficked animal click here.

They also have volunteer programs where you can work with the animals daily throughout their stages of recovery. I truly believe that through education and action, there can always be change.

By
Beth Doane
Rain Tees Founder and Designer