Exotic animals rescued from smuggling at Turkish-Greek border

Turkish customs officials in Edirne, a city near the Greek border, intercepted a vehicle illegally transporting numerous exotic animals from Greece.

According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, a mid-sized sedan with Greek license plates was carrying various protected species.

The vehicle was carrying three kangaroos, three alpacas, one Patagonian mara, 12 parrots, and 23 flying squirrels. Many of these animals were juveniles.

Photos from the scene depicted the larger animals tightly bound and confined in the trunk, while the smaller ones were crowded into cages.

Investigations conducted by the private Demirören News Agency identified the driver as Yuksel D, who was later detained by Turkish authorities.

Authorities ensured that all the animals survived the ordeal and are now under the care of the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, where they will be receiving necessary care and rehabilitation.