Operation Unveils Illegal Wildlife Trade in Majorca
Spanish authorities arrested a couple in Manacor, Majorca, for breeding and selling exotic cats illegally. The authorities found 19 exotic cats on their property, including a desert lynx and two servals. The couple allegedly sold rare species online to international buyers.
Illegal Animal Sales Exposed
The couple faced charges for selling white tigers, black leopards, hyenas, and pumas. These animals were sold to various parts of the world through online platforms. Police also seized key evidence, including over 40 animal passports from Russia, Belarus, and China, alongside computers, cellphones, and storage devices.
Global Wildlife Trafficking Network Uncovered
Investigators revealed a global wildlife trafficking operation, involving breeders, traffickers, and veterinarians. The operation began in March 2025, when Seprona, Spain’s nature protection service, received reports of illegal breeding. Authorities found that the Majorca breeding site was only part of a larger international conspiracy.
Trafficking Routes Through Europe
The majority of trafficked animals entered the European Union via the Poland-Belarus border from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. One rare animal offered for sale was a clouded leopard, valued at €60,000 ($68,000).
Animal Rescue and Relocation Efforts
Authorities temporarily placed the seized animals at Safari Zoo de Son Servera in Majorca. They will later be relocated to Alicante. Authorities emphasized that these animals need large spaces and could pose risks due to their wild nature.
Breeding Dangerous Species for Profit
Traffickers also attempted to breed wild species like the desert lynx with domestic cats, hoping to create exotic pets that are less dangerous. These practices raise serious ethical concerns and violate the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Legal Actions Against the Couple
The couple faces charges for wildlife crimes, smuggling, document forgery, and being part of an international criminal network. Their arrest highlights the ongoing challenges of combating illegal wildlife trafficking.
EU’s Role in Wildlife Crime
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) reports that the European Union is a major destination for illegal wildlife and a key transit hub for illicit trafficking. The arrests in Majorca reveal the scale of the illegal wildlife trade in the EU.
