Niabi Zoo joins program to reduce wildlife trafficking

Lina PortmanJune 6, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Niabi Zoo is just one of 24 zoos nationwide to be part of the new Wildlife Confiscations Network, which helps care and house smuggled animals.

COAL VALLEY, Ill. — The Niabi Zoo is now part of a national effort to reduce wildlife trafficking.

The zoo recently announced that it is now a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WCN) Wildlife Forfeiture Network. According to the program's website, the new initiative creates a network of “reputable and trusted animal care facilities” that would provide immediate care for wild animals illegally introduced into the United States. The goal is to ease the burden on law enforcement enforcing wildlife laws so they can focus on investigating and prosecuting animal-related criminals.

Niabi is just one of 24 zoos designated so far for the pilot program and is the first in the state of Illinois. To be considered, facilities must undergo a rigorous review of their animal care programs, staffing and finances. The Quad Cities Zoo will work alongside larger facilities like the San Diego and Los Angeles zoos.

“We are proud and honored to have been chosen to participate in such an important endeavor,” said Niabi Zoo Director Lee Jackson. “The illegal wildlife trade is extremely harmful to both wild populations and public health. Wildlife trafficking is a conservation crisis, with countless animals and plants at risk of extinction due to the illegal harvesting and trade of live plants and animals, as well as their products. Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal trades, after crimes such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, and is estimated to be worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually. Often, the same criminals who engage in wildlife trafficking also engage in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms trafficking. »

Here is the full list of current WCN participants: