The Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA), established in 2019, is a coalition of over 80 prominent organizations, including nonprofits and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), working collaboratively to combat and eradicate the illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products. The WTA includes various departments dedicated to its mission, one of which is the Wildlife Confiscations Network (WCN).
The WCN launched a new initiative in 2022, piloted in the Southern California area, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This initiative aims to partner with trusted and reputable animal care facilities to provide immediate care and housing for trafficked wildlife within the United States, enabling wildlife law enforcement to concentrate on investigating and prosecuting offenders.
The new initiative includes three key strategic priorities:
- Workflow and Confiscations: Establishing processes to enhance support from law enforcement, medical facilities, and both short- and long-term holding centers for confiscated wildlife;
- Communications: Raising public awareness and educating communities about the challenges and impacts of wildlife trafficking; and
- Legislative/Regulatory: Strengthening the national regulatory framework by closing state-level loopholes, increasing penalties for violators, and securing additional funding for wildlife trafficking enforcement and care facilities.
Over the past decade, the escalating problem of wildlife trafficking has compelled the United States government and related agencies to take stronger action. As of 2024, the Wildlife Confiscations Network (WCN) has facilitated the placement of 2,628 live animals and assisted with an additional 187 animals for other agencies. These numbers are expected to grow as the WCN continues to pilot its mission and initiatives nationally.
As an accredited partner of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, TCWR recently has locked arms with WCN to support its mission. Currently, there are only 37 organizations affiliated with WCN; however, this collaborative network is expected to grow in the next few years. Each organization undergoes a thorough vetting process to ensure they meet stringent standards for animal welfare and adhere to expectations aligned with wildlife law enforcement objectives.
But don’t forget that there is still so much that YOU can do to support the stop of wildlife trafficking. This includes:
- Being smart and being fully informed when purchasing any type of product.
- Show that you care about wildlife by engaging carefully when on social media.
- Advocate for the animals and take a stance by joining pledges you care about.
- Lastly, stay educated and report any wildlife crime you may see. Report here.
Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network. Association of Zoos & Aquariums. (2022, August 10). https://www.aza.org/wta-news/posts/southern-california-wildlife-confiscations-network
Wildlife Trafficking Alliance. (n.d.). https://www.aza.org/wildlife-trafficking-alliance