Somya Agarwal
You expect socks and souvenirs in a suitcase, not sugar gliders and pit vipers! But that’s exactly what customs officials in Mumbai Airport have been finding. Here is a list of 380 animals from 15 different species, caught at Mumbai Airport in the last 35 days!
This smuggled tarantula travelled hidden and terrified, far from the burrows it knew as home.
A heartbreaking find! 50 Honey Bears, native to the rainforests of Central and South America, were recovered in critical condition, 30 couldn’t survive the ordeal.
Often trafficked for the exotic pet trade, these slow-moving animals face high stress and survival risks during transport.
White as snow, wide-eyed, and never meant for a suitcase. Leucistic Sugar Gliders are native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea.
Each one is at a serious risk, outside its natural habitat. Spider-tailed horned vipers are native to the Zagros Mountains of western Iran and the bordering regions of Iraq. On the other hand, Indonesian pit vipers are native to East Timor as well.
Rescued just in time, these Australian-native reptiles were found packed in cramped containers, desperately needing immediate care.
Tiny, stunning, and sadly found lifeless; reminders of why wildlife trafficking needs to end.
Among the rescued animals were Iguanas, Sumatran Striped rabbits, Brown basilisk lizard and Cuscus.
Once identified, these exotic animals are handed over to the rescue team for medical care, then placed in quarantine at zoos or sanctuaries. Non-native species are returned to their home countries, while those unfit for the journey are retained.
Customs officers immediately detain the suspect after discovering the animal, whether in checked baggage or cargo. The accused are booked under:
Customs Act, 1962 – for illegal import
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – for trafficking protected species
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