Law enforcement agencies from 134 countries joined forces in a massive global operation that rescued nearly 30,000 live animals from illegal trafficking networks. Operation Thunder 2025 ran from September 15 to October 15 and resulted in a record-breaking 4,640 seizures including tens of thousands of protected animals, plants, and illegally logged timber. Authorities identified 1,100 suspects involved in wildlife trafficking operations worth an estimated $20 billion annually. The rescued animals ranged from over 3,000 birds in Indonesia to 187 Egyptian tortoises discovered in luggage at a Thai airport.
Brazilian authorities dismantled sophisticated trafficking networks and rescued over 200 wild animals including a crackdown on an international golden lion tamarin trafficking ring. The operation revealed disturbing trends including a sharp rise in bushmeat trafficking with 5.8 tonnes seized globally and growing demand for exotic pets driving live animal captures. Coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization, the mission demonstrates what’s possible when nations unite to protect vulnerable species. This ninth annual operation proves that international cooperation can dismantle criminal networks and give countless animals a chance at freedom and survival.
