Imagine strolling through an American airport and witnessing a woman’s skirt fluttering up and down. Initially, you pay it no mind, but upon closer inspection, you observe feathers cascading to the ground and two exquisite toucan parrots desperately attempting to flee from the airport. This occurrence may seem unbelievable, but in reality, these toucan parrots were administered perilous tranquilizers and are far away from their natural habitat. These birds represent only a small portion of the multi-billion dollar business known as animal smuggling in North America (Smithsonian Magazine).
Wildlife officers and customs officials in the United States face a massive challenge in combating the widespread epidemic of smuggling over thirty-eight million species annually. Animal smuggling, ranked as the third most lucrative illicit trade globally according to the U.S. State Department cited by Smithsonian Magazine, sadly resembles modern-day slavery as animals are unlawfully exploited for various purposes. Taking action as individuals can have a positive impact and help put an end to this abhorrent industry.
The act of smuggling involves secretly moving goods across borders to avoid paying customs duties or bypass import restrictions (National Geographic Kids). Smuggling occurs when either the customs fees are high enough for smugglers to gain profits from hidden items, or there is a significant demand for prohibited products. The importation of certain goods that may endanger public health or well-being is strictly forbidden by federal law. To combat smuggling, customs agents possess the power to search individuals, their luggage, and any containers entering the country.
According to New Scientist, individuals in America who engage in the intentional smuggling of prohibited goods or assist in such activities could be charged with a felony and may also be subject to civil penalties. In contrast, other countries impose less severe consequences like small fines or warnings. Mother Jones points out that out of the 38 million wild animals captured or poached, only 40% or 1.52 million actually reach their intended destination. It is important to note that those involved in capturing these frequently endangered animals earn relatively low profits.
On the one hand, the buyer of these animals faces high prices as a result of multiple transactions. Moreover, the profit margin for middlemen selling these animals is also high. On the other hand, the journey from one continent to another is often a horrific ordeal for live cargo. Toucan parrots, for instance, have their beaks taped shut and are stuffed into nylon stockings. In many cases, the birds are drugged or their eyes are perforated to prevent them from singing in response to light. Unfortunately, airlines fail to comply with international rules regarding the transportation of these animals.
According to Giovanni Guadanga from the World Wildlife Fund (Mother Jones), during transportation, species suffer a mortality rate of thirty to sixty percent. Species trafficking is considered a criminal act across most nations, although penalties range from six months to six years of imprisonment. As reported by National Geographic News, in 2002, seventeen individuals in Mexico were indicted on charges related to animal trafficking and were imposed with substantial fines amounting to five hundred eighty thousand dollars. The notable figure dominating the global animal smuggling industry is Vixay Keosavang, hailing from Hong Tong, Laos. This individual prefers operating from Laos primarily because of the lenient regulations on animal trafficking within the country.
According to Laotian laws, animals that are bred in captivity can be sold legally. However, South African authorities claim that one of Mr. Vixays companies, Xaysavang Trading, committed a major environmental crime by smuggling rhinoceros horns. They allege that the company hired individuals to pretend to be hunters, who are permitted to kill a limited number of rhinos as trophies (New York Times).
Kenyan officials have linked the company to the smuggling of elephant tusks for the ivory trade. According to Steve Galster, the executive director of Freeland, a counter trafficking organization that has been tracking him for eight years, Mr. Vixay is considered the largest illegal wildlife trafficker in Asia. He engages in a profitable business by acquiring wild animals and their body parts from wherever they can be easily obtained. Therefore, any country with commercially valuable wildlife should remain cautious. (New York Times) A sales contract from 2009 provided by Freeland indicates the extensive volume of animals that Mr. Vixay deals with.
Xaysavang Trading, owned by Mr. Vixays, has agreed to sell a total of 70,000 snakes, 20,000 turtles, and 20,000 monitor lizards to a Vietnamese company for a sum of $860,000. The sheer magnitude of these sales poses considerable danger, not only to Americans but also to the animals involved. There are various methods used in smuggling these animals, such as the commonly employed practice of wrapping birds in cloth and concealing them in sewn pouches within the waistband of one’s trousers.
Increased vigilance from fellow airline passengers at airports could result in more traffickers being apprehended. An example of this occurred in 2002 when a man returning from Bangkok Thailand was apprehended by customs officials in Los Angeles for attempting to smuggle two endangered pygmy monkeys concealed in his underwear. Furthermore, upon opening his luggage, birds of paradise were discovered attempting to escape into the airport. Additionally, the man possessed fifty rare orchids (National Geographic Kids). Similarly, during a flight from the Republic of Congo to America, an individual successfully smuggled a crocodile onto the airplane.
The news report reveals that a plane crash led to the tragic death of twenty out of twenty one passengers on board, triggered by the escape of a reptile from a duffel bag. Both passengers and crew members experienced panic. However, the lone survivor discloses that although the reptile survived the crash, it was ultimately killed using a machete. According to Carlos Drew, a biologist working for the Wildlife Fund in Costa Rica, habitat loss stands as the primary threat to New World tropical animals. Additionally, wildlife trafficking and excessive exploration are concerns raised by a zoo director in Brazil who remarks that there are no limits.
According to “Smothosian Magazine,” you have the opportunity to purchase anything you desire, including all species. In a daring covert operation, Drews ventured into the Brazilian rainforest to obtain the incredibly rare scarlet macaws, considered the most uncommon type of bird in the world. During his journey, he personally witnessed the process of how these birds go from their natural habitat to ending up in someone’s suburban American birdcage. The villagers responsible for capturing the birds received a payment of only one hundred and fifty American dollars per bird. However, once these scarlet macaws reached America, the transporter profited over fifty-five thousand dollars for each bird, as reported by “New Scientist.”
The main cause of the persistence of organized crime rings and cartels engaging in illegal activity is the significant increase in prices. Animals are not only smuggled into America for personal enjoyment but also used for pharmaceutical testing. Patrick Brown, an observer of global animal trade for a long time, shares an extraordinary story where he seized a package containing tiger teeth intended for China. Additionally, rhinoceros horns are highly desired because of their alleged aphrodisiac properties known as biological Viagra. Various animal parts, specifically those belonging to what Brown calls “Big, sexy animals” like tigers, rhinos, and orangutans, are utilized.
The surge in demand for monkeys used in laboratory testing for pharmaceutical research has resulted in an increase in animal smuggling, primarily occurring in China and India (Natural History). In order to safeguard these innocent creatures and their native environments, it is crucial to create awareness regarding this matter.
Works Cited
- Smithsonian Magazine, “Wildlife Trafficking” December 2009 http://www. smithsonianmag. com/people-places/Wildlife-Trafficking. html#ixzz2Mu161i2f
- New York Times “Trafficking of Wildlife, Out of Reach Law” March 4, 2013 pg A4
- Ingber, Sasha “The Price of Ivory” National Geographic News Jan. 0, 2013
- Scanlon, John E “An Uncertain Future for African Elephants” Queen Sirikit National March 14,2013
- Baird, Kristin “Animal Smuggling Crime Airports” National Geographic Kids Jun/Jul 2005 pg. 26-27
- Glausiusz, Josie “Far from the forest of the night” Natural History, February 2008 pg. 40-44
- Bauerlein, Monika “The Business of Poaching” Mother Jones Jul/Aug 2005, vol30 issue4, pg 64-69
- Rosaleen, Duffy “Your Role in Wildlife Crime” New Scientist Sept 11 2010 vol. 207 issue 2777 pg 28
- Hancock, Lee “The Buck Stops Here” Texas Monthly Jan 2012 vol40 issue 1 pg74-88
