According to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), the confiscated animals included African lesser jerboas (Jaculus jaculus), various African helmeted turtles (Pelomedusa subrufa) and African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis). These species are native to Africa, and their import, sale, or breeding is prohibited under Costa Rican law.

The investigation began after OIJ agents received an anonymous tip about the sale of these exotic animals. Raids conducted in collaboration with specialists from the National System of Conservation Areas (Sinac) led to the animals’ seizure and their transfer to the Wildlife Rescue Center, where veterinarians conducted health assessments.

The owners of the pet stores were taken into custody by the Public Ministry and are awaiting a judge’s decision regarding possible pretrial measures for allegedly keeping and trading protected wildlife.

Sinac officials urged the public, including both residents and tourists, to report suspected cases of illegal wildlife possession. Citing limited resources to monitor wildlife nationwide, authorities emphasized that many trafficking cases are uncovered through citizen reports or intelligence operations, including the illegal sale of animals on social media.

Officials stressed that keeping wild animals as pets is both illegal and dangerous. “These practices endanger the animals’ health and threaten Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity,” they said. Traffickers often use inhumane capture methods, confine animals to cramped spaces, feed them inappropriate diets, and abandon them when they become aggressive or unmanageable.

Anyone who suspects a wild animal is being trafficked, kept in captivity, or sold illegally is encouraged to contact Sinac’s dedicated hotline at 1192.

The latest wildlife trafficking case comes after park rangers and police discovered five capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) being held illegally in Orotina, Alajuela province.

Sinac manages Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas.

---------------
Have you ever heard of wild animals being kept in captivity in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com