Argentine authorities have seized more than 700 marine animals trafficked from Kenya in what conservationists describe as a major bust of exotic aquatic wildlife destined for the ornamental pet trade.
The seizure took place on April 26 at Ezeiza International Airport near Buenos Aires in an operation involving Argentina’s Environmental Control Brigade, customs officials, the agricultural health agency, wildlife conservation group International Fund for Animal Welfare and rehabilitation group Fundación Temaikèn.
Authorities said the shipment included tropical marine fish and invertebrates commonly sought for aquariums and exotic collections, including surgeonfish, puffer fish, lionfish, butterflyfish, octopuses, crabs and starfish.
Many of the animals arrived dead after 120 hours in transit from Kenya, while others showed severe signs of stress and shock, conservationists said.
Immediately following the bust, a dedicated team of veterinarians and wildlife specialists logged over 28 consecutive hours of emergency care to stabilize the survivors. To handle the influx of delicate marine life, workers rapidly upgraded local facilities—assembling 10 brand-new tanks outfitted with custom heating, filtration, and water-conditioning systems to mimic the animals’ natural tropical habitats.
Currently, the surviving marine life continues to receive expert care while Argentine officials deliberate on their permanent placement. As of now, authorities have withheld details regarding the perpetrators behind the illegal shipment, and it remains unclear if any suspects have been taken into custody.
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