The Dominican Republic's National Zoological Park is serving as a crucial sanctuary for an increasing number of exotic animals confiscated from illegal trade and ownership. This influx comes as government efforts to protect endangered species gain momentum, leading to a significant rise in seizures.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic confiscated 188 animals last year, a sharp increase from the 30 seized in 2023. This year, officials have already confiscated over 8,900 species, though the majority were smaller creatures like crickets and young fish intended as food for other animals.
Flamingos are among the most frequently rescued animals, according to Nelson García Marcano, head of the Department of Wildlife Regulation and Control. These protected migratory birds are often taken from their natural habitats and sold to hotels for use as ornamental displays, a trend that is also being adopted by private homeowners. Some captors have been known to amputate the birds' wings to prevent escape.
Rescued flamingos at the zoo have sometimes arrived with white feathers due to improper diets, such as being fed white bread instead of the algae and crustaceans essential for their health. The zoo's veterinary staff work to rehabilitate these animals, providing them with appropriate diets and care, before some are released back into the wild.
In addition to flamingos, the zoo houses confiscated crocodiles and other species that were illegally kept as pets. The National Zoological Park, spanning 125 hectares (309 acres), faces resource challenges in isolating territorial animals and providing specialized care. Veterinarians conduct extensive tests to assess the health of rescued animals, many of whom suffer from weakened immune systems and physical deterioration due to poor nutrition.
The zoo is also preparing to house exotic animals confiscated in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory that is itself grappling with an overload of seized exotic species. This collaboration includes plans to care for caimans that have been taken from suspected drug traffickers.
To combat the illegal trade, the Dominican government has launched educational campaigns and erected billboards warning against the trafficking of endemic species, such as a particular parrot under threat. Officials report an increase in public calls reporting suspected illegal trade, highlighting the ongoing challenge of vigilance.
Alfonso Ferreira, deputy director of the National Zoological Park, noted the growing burden on the facility, stating, "It's a burden. People have a predisposition to owning wild animals."