Comments on: The booming business of wildlife trafficking

By: Abbie

Abbie — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:05:33 +0000

I just read about him in Nat Geo, too, it’s scary that there’s pretty much nothing that can be done to stop him.

By: Greenheart Travel

Greenheart Travel — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:05:54 +0000

This is so heartbreaking… I just read a great article in National Geographic’s January issue about Anson Wong, the world’s most wanted smuggler of endangered species. Despite knowing his crimes he is still in the process of building a “zoo” and his focus is now on tigers. So frightening considering they are almost extinct and he is still profiting from his illegal business.

By: Christine

Christine — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:31:58 +0000

Moving photos, Julie. And thanks for your recommendations in the comments. Doesn’t matter if human, animal, or otherwise; unfortunately, slavery is alive and well in the world, and we all need to keep up that awareness.

By: Abbie

Abbie — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:49:35 +0000

i agree with JoAnna, I hate how animals can be treated as “things” to be tortured and killed as humans see fit.

By: Julie Schwietert

Julie Schwietert — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:50:47 +0000

JoAnna-
Your question is an important one.
Interestingly, the organizations like Traffic and CAWT don’t have any recommendations on their websites for people like you who want to prevent/combat wildlife trafficking, other than making donations to support their own work.
Beyond becoming aware and promoting awareness of this problem among your friends and family, I’d recommend the following:

*Don’t buy products made of or with animal shells, horns, feathers, or other animal parts. Turtle shells, for instance, often become earrings, bracelets, or even purses. Unless you know for certain (and don’t just take a vendor at his or her word) that those products aren’t derived from trafficked or endangered animals, don’t buy them.

*Avoid eating unknown meats and “delicacies” (like eggs) at international markets unless you’re certain that they were sourced legally and sustainably. “Bushmeat,” for instance, often comes from poached animals.

*Report any trafficking you see. In Bergman’s article, he described some pretty surprising ways that traffickers transport animals: in thermoses, in hair rollers, and other small containers that are easy to carry onto planes. If you are in or traveling to the United States and you happen to notice any animals that seem as if they’re being transported illegally, notify US Customs of your suspicions by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. You should indicate the name of the airline, the flight number, airports of departure and arrival, and any other descriptive information that might help customs agents investigate your claim.

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:40:13 +0000

This is really sad Julie. I knew this was a problem, and it always breaks my heart when animals are treated as a commodity. Is there anything the average person can do to help curb the problem, besides not buying animals or animal products on the black market or otherwise that exploit this lucrative endeavor?

By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:52:15 +0000

To see victims of wildlife trafficking first-hand, visit the Phnom Tamao zoo outside of Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. Description here:

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/3/71752/98821/travel/Embedded+Travel+Guide+Cambodia:+Phnom+Tamao+Zoo

By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:21 +0000

I might be wrong, but I think that monkey is actually a gibbon, a small and very cool ape.

By: Carlo

Carlo — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:52:03 +0000

Wow, that is sad beyond belief. Beautiful, amazing pictures to go along with such a tragic topic.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:46:30 +0000

Wow. Beautiful pics, but this is disturbing. I had no idea this type of trafficking was so financially profitable.