Interpol Seizes 30,000 Live Animals in Record 2025 Wildlife Crime Crackdown Driven by Exotic Pet Demand.

The global demand for exotic pets surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, driving live animal seizures to a record high, according to Interpol. The international policing agency announced Thursday that a month-long global crackdown intercepted nearly 30,000 live animals, exposing the scale and sophistication of today’s wildlife-trafficking networks.

Interpol estimates that the wildlife crime industry is now worth more than $20 billion annually, involving everything from shark fins and ivory to primate meat and endangered reptiles.

Operation Thunder 2025: A Global Crackdown Across 134 Countries

Between September 15 and mid-October 2025, authorities from 134 countries undertook a coordinated enforcement initiative under Operation Thunder 2025. The results were staggering:

• 6,160 birds

• 2,040 tortoises

• 1,150 reptiles

• 208 primates

• 46 pangolins

• 10 big cats

• 19,415 other wild animals

• 1,100 suspects detained worldwide

Additionally, nearly 10,500 butterflies, spiders, and insects were confiscated, underscoring the enormous diversity of species targeted by traffickers.

Interpol said the sharp rise in seizures was “driven largely by demand for exotic pets,” though most trafficking activity still involves animal parts and derivatives, often for traditional medicine or specialized cuisine.

 Disturbing Trafficking Cases From Across the World

Authorities uncovered disturbing cases across continents:

• Qatar: A man was arrested attempting to sell a critically endangered primate for $14,000 via a social media platform.

• Brazil: Police identified 145 suspects linked to trafficking rings and rescued more than 200 animals, including golden lion tamarins.

• North America: A mail-center shipment from Asia contained over 1,300 primate body parts, including bones and skulls.

These incidents reveal how wildlife criminals exploit digital platforms, postal systems, and international networks to move contraband undetected.

 Bushmeat Trade Escalates Across Continents

Interpol warned of an “escalating illicit trade in bushmeat.”

Recent seizures include:

• Belgium: Interception of illegal “primate meat.”

• Kenya: Over 400 kg (880 lb) of giraffe meat confiscated.

• Tanzania: Recovery of zebra and antelope meat and skins valued at $10,000.

Globally, 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat were seized this year—a record high, with a notable surge in shipments from Africa into Europe.

 Environmental Crime Expands Beyond Wildlife

Operation Thunder also targeted illegal logging networks. Authorities seized 32,000 cubic meters of illegally cut wood, highlighting that illegal forestry now accounts for 15–30% of the global wood trade.

Interpol emphasized that while the official value of wildlife crime is estimated at $20 billion, the hidden nature of the trade means the true figure is likely “much higher.”