COAL VALLEY, Ill. — Niabi Zoo is now a part of a nationwide effort to help reduce wildlife trafficking.
The Zoo recently announced it is now a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Wildlife Confiscation Network (WCN). 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 wildlife brought into the U.S. illegally. The goal is to help alleviate this burden off of wildlife law enforcement so they can focus on investigating and persecuting animal criminals.
Niabi is just one of 24 zoos so far to be designated for the pilot program, and is the first in the state of Illinois. Facilities must undergo a rigorous review of their animal care programs, staff and finances to be considered. The Quad Cities zoo will work alongside larger facilities like the San Diego and Los Angeles zoos.
“We are proud and honored to be chosen to participate in such an important undertaking,” Niabi Zoo Director Lee Jackson said. “The illegal wildlife trade is extremely damaging to both wild populations and to public health. Wildlife trafficking is a conservation crisis, with countless animals and plants being pushed toward extinction from the illegal harvest of and trade in live plants and animals, and products made from them. Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal trades, after crimes such as drug and human trafficking, and is estimated to be worth between $7-23 billion per year. Often the same criminals that engage in wildlife trafficking also engage in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons smuggling."
Here is a full list of WCN participants currently:
- Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- California Science Center
- California State University, Long Beach
- Charles Paddock Zoo
- Heal the Bay Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
- Lions, Tigers and Bears
- Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Niabi Zoo
- Oakland Zoo
- Peaceable Primate Sanctuary
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND California Resort
- Sea World San Diego
- SoCal Parrot Rescue
- STAR Eco Station
- Texas State Aquarium
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- Turtle Conservancy
- Wildcat Sanctuary
- Wildlife Learning Center
Find more information on the Wildlife Confiscations Network here.
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