Record Wildlife Rescue as Global Operation Succeeds

Quick Smiles:

• Operation Thunder seized 30,000 live animals from traffickers.
• Cooperative global effort brought together 134 countries and many agencies.
• Increased focus and intelligence-sharing are curbing wildlife crime.

In a monumental step for wildlife protection, INTERPOL coordinated its largest-ever series of raids—Operation Thunder—seizing 30,000 live animals from trafficking networks in an operation spanning 134 countries.

Between September 15th and October 15th, authorities identified 1,100 suspects, issued 69 criminal notices, and executed 4,620 raids, outpacing last year’s numbers by 30%.

The operation included national police, customs, border, and wildlife agencies working together to safeguard vulnerable species.

Rescued animals ranged from 6,160 birds and 2,040 terrapins to 10 big cats, rare primates, and thousands of others—including arthropods and more seldom-trafficked creatures.

Large hauls of animal parts such as ivory, pangolin scales, and shark fins were also confiscated, highlighting the magnitude of the crime.

Remarkably, only seven rhino horns were found, suggesting positive momentum in the fight against rhino poaching.

Seizures of over 14,000 tons of illegally harvested timber and notables like exotic arthropods underscore both challenges and law enforcement adaptability as criminals diversify.

Months of careful planning and intelligence-exchange enabled effective cross-border investigations and will fuel ongoing strategies to disrupt organized crime networks.

Intelligence from this 9th edition of Operation Thunder will guide global efforts and refine tactics to keep our planet’s wildlife safe from harm.

This landmark operation is a beacon of hope for endangered animals worldwide, showing what unified action can achieve.

Let’s spread the word about this inspirational win for nature!

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