Aquarium of the Pacific rescues nearly 1,000 animals from traffickers

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has taken in nearly 1,000 marine animals rescued from two separate illegal wildlife trafficking operations this summer. The seizures involved box trucks carrying thousands of confiscated creatures, including fish, reptiles, and invertebrates, intended for the black market.

The first operation in June resulted in the arrival of approximately 500 animals, such as endangered Banggai cardinalfish and near-threatened brownbanded bamboo sharks. Staff worked overnight to stabilize and acclimate the creatures in specialized quarantine areas. The second operation in late July brought an additional 300 animals to the facility following a stay at a federal wildlife center in Torrance.

Nate Jaros, vice president of animal care, noted that about a quarter of the animals died either upon arrival or shortly after due to the stress of the acclimation process. The rescues were coordinated through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Confiscations Network.