Mumbai: Two consignments of trafficked wildlife intercepted at Mumbai airport on separate occasions on Aug 8 and 11 were deported back to their place of origin and natural habitat, Bangkok, on Wednesday, whilst following the international standard and ethics protocol. The consignments comprised three meerkats, three lizards, two iguanas, one skink, one four-eyed turtle, over a hundred spiders, two marmosets, and 50 albino red-eared sliders.According to Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane, “As per the Wildlife Protection Act, the seized animals were temporarily kept under the care of recognised facilities for medical intervention after their interception, which were later handed over to the concerned authorities on Tuesday night for deportation to the country of origin. The animals were first stabilised and given necessary treatment.“Yogesh Warkad, Deputy Director of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, told TOI, “Our job was limited to certain aspects. We completed the identification process and legal position of the wildlife besides animal quarantine and coordinating with the concerned authorities.” He further confirmed the deportation.The deportation process followed the new guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on July 23, which reiterated regulations laid down by Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) and the customs department regarding the immediate deportation of trafficked animals to their country of origin. Airlines through which animals are brought into the country illegally are responsible for their deportation, as per the regulations.
