Dead Baby Kangaroo and 233 Other Animals Found by Customs

Customs officials at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport were shocked to find a dead baby kangaroo inside a suitcase after apprehending an animal smuggler. The 32-year-old suspect was stopped as he attempted to leave the airport after his AirAsia flight from Thailand had landed in the Indian city around 10:30 p.m. In addition to the deceased marsupial, airport officials found 233 other small animals in the man’s possession. The young kangaroo, who was only a few months old, was the singular animal to die. The other animals, which included turtles, iguanas, chameleons, and snakes, were exhibiting varying levels of distress.

The baby kangaroo died from suffocation while inside the suitcase. Heartbreakingly, the young creature was stuffed inside a small plastic container for the duration of the flight. The other animals had also been confined to plastic containers for the flight. The surviving animals were confiscated and have been given to the Forest Department so that they can receive necessary care.

According to the apprehended man, he was unaware of the suitcase’s contents and did not realize that he was smuggling live animals, including the kangaroo who died. He stated to officials that he simply flew with the suitcase from Bangkok to Bangaluru as instructed. This version of events has not convinced investigators, who continue to look into the matter. In the meantime, the suspect has been arrested on wildlife trafficking charges.

Sadly, illegal wildlife trafficking is a huge illicit industry worldwide. Although it is hard to find exact numbers, wildlife trade organization TRAFFIC, states that the illegal wildlife trade generated between seven and 23 billion dollars of revenue annually. The fourth largest illegal sector in the world, the trade for illicit wildlife has devastating consequences. Animal populations around the globe are affected by this trade. Demand for exotic pets, luxury items such as pelts and ivory, meats, and medicinal ingredients fuels this trade. 

For many species, the illegal wildlife trade poses a threat to their very survival. Over the last decade alone, an estimated one million pangolins have become victims of this harrowing trade. These armored mammals are valued for their scales and flesh, which is consumed. Elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, and orangutans are other animals that face high levels of trafficking. 

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Ahimsa by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content: 

• 22 Snakes and a Chameleon Seized at Chennai Airport in India
• Doc Antle, Featured in “Tiger King,” Charged with Wildlife Trafficking and Animal Cruelty
• Bangladesh Emerges as a Surprising Hub in the Global Tiger Poaching and Trafficking Crisis
• Mother and Son Fined $15,000 for Poaching Two Black Bear Cubs
• Thai Poaching Kingpin Sentenced to Prison

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