Aquarium of the Pacific Rescues Nearly 1,000 Trafficked Marine Animals in Two Operations
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, has taken in nearly 1,000 trafficked marine animals over two separate operations this summer. These animals were seized by wildlife officials from illegal wildlife trafficking attempts. In June, authorities intercepted a box truck carrying approximately 2,000 animals, including reptiles, fish, and invertebrates, destined for the black market. The aquarium received about 500 marine animals from this bust. A second operation in late July brought another 300 marine animals to the facility after a brief stay at a federal wildlife center. Nate Jaros, vice president of animal care at the aquarium, noted that this represents one of the largest hauls the aquarium has handled in years. The rescued species include brownbanded bamboo sharks, Banggai cardinalfish, and ocellaris clownfish, among others. Aquarium staff worked through the night to acclimate the animals to specialized quarantine areas, testing water parameters and providing medical treatment for paras... 
