baby lion
Despite ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade of wild animals, sales are on the rise in the southern region. In previous years, the primary method for smuggling exotic animals involved individuals attempting to cross the border with them hidden in vehicles. However, Ortiz González reports a disturbing evolution; it’s now increasingly common for rare birds and exotic animals to be sold openly online or on the streets of Tijuana.
“We’ve had incidents, especially on the east side of the city, where it’s widely known there are certain species of animals for sale,” Ortiz González stated. He continued:
There’s a misconception that these animals can be kept as pets. The reality is, if you want to keep one of these animals, you need to draw permits and ensure you have enough open space for them to roam. However, the black market for these creatures is exceptionally complicated to navigate.
Among the most commonly sold animals are tigers, rare birds, and monkeys. Ortiz González described a well-organized network where individuals transport these creatures, often endangering their wellbeing in the process.
“People are easily able to acquire them in the black market,” he said. “There’s a system in place that allows for the movement of these animals from one place to another strictly for the purpose of sale.”
As this troubling trend continues, advocates like Ortiz González are calling for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of laws aimed at protecting wildlife in Mexico.
