Heathrow Seizes Endangered Iguanas Wrapped in Socks
- 10 years ago
Officers at London’s Heathrow airport recently opened up luggage and found 13 endangered iguanas.
Customs authorities never know what they might come across in the world of smuggled items. Officers at London’s Heathrow airport recently found 13 endangered iguanas in someone's luggage.
Each of the San Salvador rock iguanas had been wrapped in a sock. 12 of them survived the journey in the suitcase, however the remaining one died.
Two Romanian women flying in from the Bahamas were arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt. The ladies planned to fly to Germany before Heathrow customs officials busted them.
San Salvador rock iguanas are extremely rare. Currently, it’s suspected that there are only a few hundred in existence. Grant Miller, from the Border Force's endangered species crew said “The surviving animals were dehydrated and are now under the supervision of a specialist vet. We are also working with experts to find the best way to protect and safeguard these endangered creatures longer term.”
Miller expressed shock at the simple fact that 12 of the iguanas survived, due to the long flight from the Bahamas. Airport authorities are thankful the reptiles were seized and are now receiving the proper care.
Customs authorities never know what they might come across in the world of smuggled items. Officers at London’s Heathrow airport recently found 13 endangered iguanas in someone's luggage.
Each of the San Salvador rock iguanas had been wrapped in a sock. 12 of them survived the journey in the suitcase, however the remaining one died.
Two Romanian women flying in from the Bahamas were arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt. The ladies planned to fly to Germany before Heathrow customs officials busted them.
San Salvador rock iguanas are extremely rare. Currently, it’s suspected that there are only a few hundred in existence. Grant Miller, from the Border Force's endangered species crew said “The surviving animals were dehydrated and are now under the supervision of a specialist vet. We are also working with experts to find the best way to protect and safeguard these endangered creatures longer term.”
Miller expressed shock at the simple fact that 12 of the iguanas survived, due to the long flight from the Bahamas. Airport authorities are thankful the reptiles were seized and are now receiving the proper care.