Brazil shuts illegal wildlife zoo and busts trafficking ring in Santa Catarina

Brazilian environmental agency Ibama closed a clandestine zoo in São Carlos, Santa Catarina, rescuing 655 animals after finding the facility operating without authorization and in poor conditions. The operation, supported by the state environmental institute (IMA) and the Military Environmental Police, resulted in fines exceeding R$1.2 million for the owners, with hundreds of birds, aquatic species and other wildlife transferred to treatment centers.

In a related crackdown, the Joinville Animal Protection Police (DPA) carried out Operation “Anilha Profana,” executing 16 search warrants and arresting four suspects for forging tags and documents to legitimize illegally captured birds. The raid rescued two blue-and-yellow macaws, one green-winged macaw and numerous passerines, and seized a property linked to the trafficking network. Both actions form part of a broader effort to combat wildlife trafficking and illegal animal commerce in Santa Catarina.