San Diego, California – Eight critically endangered Fijian iguanas rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking have arrived at the San Diego Zoo.

The iguanas were seized by Spanish authorities in 2017 as part of a larger operation involving over 600 reptiles.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, along with partners in Fiji and Spain, spent eight years working to bring the iguanas to the U.S.

Geneticists at the zoo will study the iguanas to learn their origins and how they can support conservation efforts.

Brett Baldwin, curator of herpetology at the zoo, said the zoo has helped in over 20 reptile confiscations over the last 28 years.

He praised the long effort to secure expert care for the iguanas and highlighted the zoo’s ongoing role in wildlife rescue.

The Fijian iguanas were cared for near Madrid before being cleared for travel to San Diego.

Their relocation was approved by Fiji’s Department of Environment and the National Trust of Fiji.

Officials in Fiji noted the threat wildlife trafficking poses to the native iguana population, already under pressure from human activity and invasive species.

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, the iguanas were received by Wildlife Care Manager Brandon Scott and transported to the zoo’s veterinary hospital for health checks and quarantine.

Once cleared, they will join the zoo’s population of Fijian iguanas and become part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan Program.

The zoo has bred over 100 iguanas since the 1990s, and every Fijian iguana in AZA-accredited institutions in the U.S. comes from this program.

DNA studies by the zoo have revealed more genetic diversity among wild Fijian iguanas than previously thought.

This information is helping conservationists better protect the species in the wild.

Authorities in Spain stressed that these efforts also raise awareness of the threats posed by trafficking and habitat destruction.

The San Diego Zoo plays a key role in the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, supporting emergency responses to illegal wildlife trade.

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