Mumbai: 45 exotic animals seized from passenger at airport; several found dead due to suffocation

Pic/RAWW

In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, Mumbai Customs officials seized 45 exotic animals from a passenger arriving on a Thai Airways flight at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Saturday.

The passenger, who landed in the early hours, was intercepted based on specific intelligence inputs. Upon inspection of his luggage, Customs officials discovered a variety of exotic wildlife including raccoons, hyraxes (small, rabbit-like mammals), black fox squirrels, and iguanas.

Tragically, several of the animals were found dead due to suffocation and the inhumane conditions in which they were transported.

Experts from the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) were called in to assist with the safe handling and stabilization of the surviving animals. Authorities have initiated the process to deport the rescued animals to their country of origin in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

"This incident once again highlights the brutal and disturbing reality of illegal wildlife trafficking. Despite repeated enforcement actions, such cases continue to surface, leaving us deeply concerned," RAWW representatives said.