Authorities in Colombia announced Monday that over 1,000 ocelots and snakes, birds, and other animals were rescued by the national police. The police released a statement saying that 21 arrests were made as a result of the nationwide operation, which was supported by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the local environmental authorities.
General Jorge Luis Vargas (head of the national police) stated that the Colombian police had worked in concert with the wildlife authorities in the United States to achieve the most important operation to protect protected species in Colombia. The 1,004 animals (starfish, turtles, and tarantulas) are now under the control of environmental authorities.
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse nations in the world. So far this year, 5,994 animals have been rescued by police from trafficking.
(With inputs from agencies.