Global Wildlife Trafficking Hits Record Levels in 2025: Interpol's Operation Thunder Intercepts 30,000 Animals

France: Wildlife trafficking has surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, with the Interpol police organization reporting on Thursday that seizures of live animals reached a record high, driven primarily by the demand for exotic pets.

According to Interpol, wildlife crime has evolved into a massive industry exceeding $20 billion annually, encompassing activities from shark fin trafficking to illegal ivory trade and primate meat smuggling.

During a coordinated global operation spanning one month from September 15, law enforcement agencies across 134 countries intercepted nearly 30,000 animals, including 6,160 birds, 2,040 tortoises, 1,150 reptiles, 208 primates, 46 pangolins, 10 big cats, and 19,415 other wildlife specimens. The operation resulted in the detention of approximately 1,100 suspects.

In one notable case, Qatari authorities apprehended an individual attempting to sell an endangered primate for $14,000 via social media. Brazilian police identified 145 suspects while rescuing over 200 animals, including a crackdown on an international trafficking network dealing in golden lion tamarins.

Interpol also reported that "a shipment from Asia intercepted at a North American mail centre contained over 1,300 primate body parts including bones, skulls, and other derivatives."

Operation Thunder 2025 additionally uncovered nearly 10,500 butterflies, spiders, and insects, highlighting the diverse range of species targeted by wildlife traffickers.

The Lyon-based agency noted that "while live animal seizures reached a record high this year — driven largely by demand for exotic pets — most wildlife trafficking involved animal remains, parts and derivatives, often used in traditional medicine or specialty foods."

Although estimates place the annual value of wildlife crime at $20 billion, Interpol suggested that "the clandestine nature of the trade suggests that the real figure is likely much higher."

Interpol also highlighted "an escalating illicit trade" in bushmeat. Belgian authorities intercepted primate meat, Kenyan officials seized over 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of giraffe meat, and Tanzanian law enforcement recovered zebra and antelope meat and skins valued at $10,000.

The organization reported that "globally, a record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat was seized, with a notable increase in cases from Africa into Europe."

Additionally, the operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 32,000 cubic metres of illegally harvested timber. According to Interpol, illegal forestry constitutes between 15 and 30 percent of global wood trade.