Crisis in Mexico:

Thousands of Turtles Rescued from Wildlife Trafficking

Image: Male Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti) rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. Photo courtesy of Guadalajara Zoo.
In a devastating discovery in Jalisco, Mexico, authorities seized more than 2,000 wild-caught turtles concealed among sea cucumbers, shark fins, and other illicit wildlife products. The surviving turtles have been transferred to the Guadalajara Zoo, a trusted partner of Turtle Survival Alliance, where dedicated animal care teams are working tirelessly to stabilize and treat each animal following this traumatic event. Rapid disease testing is urgently needed to prevent further loss and protect species already on the brink of extinction.