Key facts
- Two Thai nationals were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for attempting to smuggle endangered parrot eggs.
- One suspect was found with 50 eggs in a homemade incubator, while the other had 418 eggs.
- The eggs are believed to be from Cites-listed parrot species.
- South Africa is actively combating various forms of wildlife smuggling.
- Seized eggs are being incubated, and some have hatched, with chicks receiving care.
South African authorities have arrested two Thai nationals in separate incidents at OR Tambo International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle endangered parrot eggs out of the country. The arrests are part of a broader effort to combat wildlife trafficking.
On August 20, a 50-year-old Thai national was apprehended carrying 50 bird eggs in a homemade incubator within his hand luggage. Preliminary investigations suggest these eggs belong to parrot species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), which regulates international trade to prevent species extinction.
Earlier, on July 16, a 23-year-old Thai national was arrested at the same airport for allegedly trying to smuggle 418 parrot eggs in two homemade incubator bags. The environment ministry emphasized that the illegal collection and trafficking of parrot eggs pose a significant threat to wild bird populations and animal welfare, often transported under conditions that compromise viability.
Staff at the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria are currently incubating the seized eggs. Several have successfully hatched and the chicks are receiving intensive care. The ministry noted that these arrests were the result of a joint intelligence-driven operation involving its Environmental Management Inspectorate, known as the “Green Scorpions,” along with police intelligence, border, and endangered species units.
South Africa imposes penalties for the illegal export of Cites-listed species, including fines of up to 10 million rand, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.