Dominican Zoo Shelters Seized Wildlife Animals

The Dominican Republic’s only zoo is providing a safe haven for a growing number of wild animals seized during a government crackdown on illegal ownership and smuggling.

The National Zoological Park in Santo Domingo is now caring for crocodiles, flamingos, tigers and other animals confiscated from people accused of keeping them illegally.

Officials say the rising number of seizures is putting pressure on the country’s only zoo.

Authorities seized 188 animals last year, up from 30 in 2023.

More than 8,900 specimens have been confiscated so far this year, although most were crickets and young fish used to feed other animals.

Officials say flamingos are among the animals most often rescued.

The protected birds are sometimes taken from the wild and sold to hotels or homeowners to be used as garden features.

Wildlife officials say some of the birds have even had their wings amputated to prevent them from flying away.

The government has also launched public education campaigns to discourage people from keeping wild and exotic animals.

 

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