The illegal wildlife trade is one of the world’s largest and most profitable forms of organised crime, generating an estimated US$20 billion each year. Across the globe, wild animals are captured and taken from their natural habitats to be sold as exotic pets, used for food or traditional medicine, displayed for entertainment, or killed for their skins, fur and other body parts. This trade causes immense suffering to individual animals while also threatening wild populations, disrupting ecosystems and contributing to the global loss of biodiversity.
Limited Resources
Despite Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity, the resources available to combat wildlife trafficking and care for its victims remain limited. Enforcement agencies face the enormous challenge of detecting illegal trade across the country, while rescue and rehabilitation centres are often left with limited resources to care for the animals that are confiscated or surrendered.
At the same time, public awareness of wildlife trafficking and its consequences is still developing. Many people remain unaware of the suffering behind the illegal pet trade, or of the wider impact that removing animals from the wild can have on populations and entire ecosystems.
Animal Cruelty
Over 80% of these animals die before they reach their destination, and those who do live generally face lives of deprivation. The actual travel of these animals is often unbelievably cruel. Animals have their mouths and beaks taped shut, are restrained in dangerous positions for hours, lying in their own waste. Birds may have their eyes perforated so they do not sing in reaction to light.
C.I.T.E.S
While many international governments have joined CITES (the Convention on International on Trade in Endangered Species), which helps to regulate international wildlife trade, these intentions often are inadequately funded and staffed. Also, the question remains as to what to do with the animals once confiscated from traffickers.
Rehabilitation
For many rescued animals, simply opening a cage and returning them to the forest is not an option. Some arrive weak, injured or malnourished; others were taken from the wild at such a young age that they never had the chance to learn the skills they need to survive. Releasing them without proper preparation can be a death sentence.
That is why rehabilitation lies at the heart of Merazonia’s work. We give animals rescued from wildlife trafficking and illegal captivity the time, specialised care and environment they need to recover their natural behaviours and independence. Whenever possible, the ultimate goal is the same:
to give them back the life that was taken from them - a life in the wild.