Bronx, New York, USA – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo has successfully rehabilitated fourteen juvenile keel-billed toucans after they were confiscated in a wildlife trafficking case involving federal authorities.

The birds were discovered concealed inside the dashboard of a vehicle at the United States-Mexico border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California. They had been sedated and bound to limit movement and noise, and were found in very poor condition.

Staff from WCS assisted the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in the rescue. The group consisted of ten males and four females, all aged between three and four months.

Upon arrival at the Bronx Zoo on July 31, 2025, all fourteen toucans showed signs of malnutrition, severe stress, and metabolic complications. Veterinary and animal care teams carried out a coordinated rehabilitation process over several months.

Chuck Cerbini, Curator of Ornithology at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, said the birds arrived in a severely compromised state after illegal transport under inhumane conditions. He stated the case highlights both the cruelty of wildlife trafficking and the role of accredited zoos in providing care and supporting conservation efforts.

After recovery, ten toucans were transferred to accredited institutions participating in a Species Survival Plan program for conservation breeding and education. Officials noted that returning the birds to the wild was not possible due to their condition.

Four toucans remain at the Bronx Zoo. Two males are now on display in the World of Birds exhibit, while two others remain off-exhibit as a future breeding pair.

Zoo officials and conservation representatives emphasized that the case reflects the ongoing problem of illegal wildlife trade and the importance of coordinated responses between enforcement agencies and accredited facilities.

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