Animal trafficking reaches record high in 2025: Interpol

Interpol revealed that global wildlife trafficking surged in 2025, with nearly 30,000 animals seized during a month-long crackdown. The $20 billion illegal trade spanned pangolins, primates, tortoises, reptiles, bushmeat and even 1,300 primate body parts. Authorities in 134 countries detained over 1,100 suspects as exotic pet demand and illegal meat trade drove record-high seizures worldwide.