One U.S. traveler has been caught trying to bring a live albino alligator through a German airport. The 42-year-old man was caught with a rare albino alligator in his suitcase. Customs officials found the alligator wrapped in cling film when they opened the man’s suitcase.
The discovery took place at Munich airport in Germany. Reportedly, the man was trying to travel to Singapore, according to Süddeutsche Zeitung reports. The man tried to bring the live albino alligator through the German airport because it was incredibly rare. Reportedly, rare animals go for a high price in Singapore’s illegal animal trade.
Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that the alligator was fully wrapped ini cling film except for its nostrils.
What we know:
Officials Discover Live Albino Alligator in Suitcase https://t.co/Tuammlyirr
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Images of the one-meter-long smuggled Albino Alligator have circulated social media.
Investigation pending
It is not yet clear if the traveler’s dangerous transportation method of the alligator was a smuggling attempt.
“Many of the species that were being offered for sale are exotic wildlife species that are not allowed to be sold or offered for sale, or kept as pets in Singapore, including several species that are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites),” Dr. Adrian Loo, group director of wildlife management within Singapore’s National Parks Board, told The Straits Times.
Currently, the man faces criminal charges for violating Germany’s Species Protection and Animal Welfare Act. He also must pay a five-figure fine and has had his phone confiscated by officials.
Albino alligators are very rare, with only 100-200 being estimated to be left in the world.
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