Dominican Republic’s zoo offers home for confiscated animals as seizures of exotic species soar

The only zoo in the Dominican Republic is serving as a safe haven for illegal and smuggled animals as a government crackdown aimed at protecting exotic species intensifies. Located in Santo Domingo, the facility is taking in a growing number of confiscated animals as seizures of exotic species soar across the country.

The influx of animals comes as authorities ramp up enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable wildlife from illegal trafficking. The zoo's role provides a critical infrastructure for housing the rescued creatures as the government's conservation and anti-smuggling campaign gathers pace.