Wildlife trafficking is a continued and growing threat to our national security, hindering sustainable economic development and undermining our laws. When illegally imported live wild animals are seized at U.S. ports of entry, law enforcement must act quickly to ensure the health, wellbeing, and proper care of all trafficked wildlife while obtaining forensic documentation and maintaining evidentiary integrity.

From 2015 to 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) intervened in 834 cases of live wildlife interdiction, which included 48,793 individual live animals, an average of nearly 30 per day, each requiring placement and care. Aquariums and zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are experts in animal wellbeing and are often called upon first to provide immediate care, housing, and rehabilitation for confiscated wildlife.

Facilities that care for rescued endangered and threatened species provide a valuable public service, often investing significant resources to support victims of the illegal wildlife trade. As wildlife trafficking continues to rise, qualified zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and rescue organizations are increasingly called upon to provide immediate care, housing, and rehabilitation.

To better coordinate these efforts, in October 2023, USFWS and AZA formed a cooperative agreement to implement a pilot Wildlife Confiscations Network in Southern California. By acting as a single point of contact for federal wildlife law enforcement, the Wildlife Confiscations Network establishes a cooperative and coordinated confiscation response that can help address immediate triage needs through a network of qualified facilities. Since its inception, the Wildlife Confiscations Network has assisted with over 135 wildlife trafficking cases and successfully placed over 4,600 animals into quality care.

That’s why the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus introduced H.R. 3538, the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025. The Wildlife Confiscations Network Act codifies all aspects of this successful law enforcement program and allows the network to expand nationwide, establishing a cooperative and coordinated confiscation response in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Congress needs to hear from you! Take action today to support zoos and aquariums in their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and conserve wildlife by sending a message to your Representative urging them to cosponsor H.R. 3538, the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025.