The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo has successfully rehabilitated 14 trafficked toucans after confiscating the birds at the United States-Mexico border last year.
10 males and four females, all aged three to four months old, were rescued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), with assistance from the Bronx Zoo.
The juvenile keel-billed toucans were seized by federal authorities after they were found in the dashboard of a vehicle.
The young birds were discovered in extremely poor condition, and upon arrival at the Bronx Zoo, all 14 toucans showed signs of malnutrition, severe stress and metabolic issues.
After months of specialised care and rehabilitation at the zoo, the birds have regained good health and have since been placed in new homes.
Because they cannot be returned to the wild, 10 of the toucans have been placed in Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions, where they will contribute to conservation breeding and education programmes.
The remaining four, two of which have recovered from fractured legs due to malnutrition, will remain at the Bronx Zoo.
"These toucans arrived in a severely compromised state after enduring stressful and inhumane conditions during illegal transport," said Chuck Cerbini, curator of ornithology at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo.
"Thanks to the dedication of our animal care and veterinary teams, we were able to stabilise and rehabilitate them. This case highlights both the harm and cruelty of wildlife trafficking and the critical role accredited zoos play in giving rescued wildlife a second chance while supporting long-term conservation efforts."
Case highlights the cruelty of wildlife trafficking
Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, keel-billed toucans are listed by the IUCN as near threatened.
Despite being protected by the Wild Bird Conservation Act, the birds are in demand in the global pet trade.
Craig Piper, interim director of the Bronx Zoo, said: "This rescue underscores the ongoing threat of wildlife trafficking and the importance of partnerships among federal agencies, accredited zoos, and conservation organisations in protecting vulnerable species."
Images courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
