Story

The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry that threatens endangered species' survival and human health as zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 emerge. Cambodia is both a wildlife source and transit country, and trafficking was rampant in 2001 when our Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team was established to crack down on the trade. Since then, our Team has rescued over 73,000 live animals, apprehended almost 8,000 offenders, and confiscated 42,000+ lbs. of wildlife meat and contraband.

Impact

The Team's ongoing presence and success are effectively suppressing the illegal wildlife trade. By enforcing the rule of law, we disrupt networks trafficking international contraband such as African ivory through Cambodia, ensure offenders are prosecuted, seize goods, and save animals' lives. Long-term, this project ensures more wild animals remain in their native habitats by deterring people from participating in the trade and it helps wildlife populations rebound by releasing rescued animals.

Challenge

The illegal wildlife trade is a growing criminal enterprise that leaves once-flourishing forests barren, undermines governments and threatens human health. Millions of animals victimized by traffickers each year are sold into the pet trade, killed for meat/parts or kept alive in inhumane conditions. Combatting this requires dedicated teams with the authority, skills and knowledge to enforce laws that protect wildlife, investigate and bust trade networks, and safely handle rescued animals.

Organizer

Updates

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