多米尼加共和国唯一的国家动物园正在承担起收容政府没收的非法和走私动物的任务[1]。随着执法力度加强，查获的异域物种数量大幅上升，去年查获188只动物，较2023年的30只增加了6倍多[1]；今年至今已查获超过8900种动物，其中大多为蟋蟀和年幼鱼类[1]。
火烈鸟因其装饰价值而成为最常被非法饲养的物种[1]。这些鸟类通常被非法从自然栖息地捕捉后贩卖给酒店和民宅作装饰[1]。动物园规模为125公顷，面临的资源压力日益加大[1]。为了应对日增的救援需求，动物园去年启动了项目拯救受威胁的地方性鹦鹉[1]，并与波多黎各达成协议接收该地查获的异域物种，包括从贩毒嫌疑人手中缴获的凯门鳄[1]。
The Dominican Republic's sole national zoo is increasingly serving as a sanctuary for animals seized by authorities from illegal trafficking and private ownership networks.[1] Last year, authorities confiscated 188 animals, more than six times the 30 animals seized in 2023, while this year has already seen the recovery of over 8,900 animals, predominantly crickets and juvenile fish.[1] The 125-hectare zoo now faces mounting resource pressures as enforcement operations continue to expand.[1]
Flamingos have emerged as the most frequently rescued species, routinely captured illegally from their natural habitats and sold to hotels and residences as decorative ornaments.[1] In response to growing demand, the zoo has launched initiatives including a rescue program for endangered endemic parrot species that began last year.[1] Recognizing the strain on its facilities, the zoo has established an agreement with Puerto Rico to receive additional confiscated exotic species originating from that territory, including caimans seized from suspected drug traffickers.[1]