Toucans, tortoises saved in major Brazil trafficking bust | International

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Brazilian police on Tuesday arrested 45 people and rescued hundreds of exotic animals in the biggest ever operation against wildlife traffickers in the world's most biodiverse nation. Brightly colored birds like toucans and macaws, boxes of tortoises, monkeys and a python were among 700 rescued animals taken to a central facility to receive expert care. Forensic police carried the rescued animals in cages to be seen by veterinarians, covering some with blankets before their checkups. Over a thousand officers took part in the bust across Rio de Janeiro and other states, which was "the largest operation in Brazil's history to combat the trafficking of wild animals, weapons, and ammunition," a police...