The Unregulated Wildlife Trade in Baghdad

Here's an article in the Times Union about the wildlife trade in Baghdad. It's unregulated and there are many exotic pets being sold, like primates and lions.

Awful.

Puerto Rico Ships Monkey to....Baghdad?

The Baghdad Zoo rakes in some more animals. Puerto Rico is using it as a dumping ground for "nuisance" monkeys.

Puerto Rico is eager to rid itself of the estimated 2,000 patas and rhesus monkeys that have taken a toll on wildlife and agriculture in the Lajas Valley since escaping from nearby research centers 30 years ago.

"We will give them all the monkeys they want," said Sgt. Angel Atienza, a ranger with the department. "We don't have a problem with that."

Unlike rhesus monkeys, patas are not considered desirable for research, and there has been little demand for either from zoos — until now.

I am no fan of zoos, especially in an unstable country like Iraq. So, I actually agree with PETA in this case....

"In the middle of the war, animals are the least of anyone's concern," said Lisa Wathne, spokeswoman for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "It's just reckless and insensitive to send these monkeys, who will be caged, helpless and completely dependent on humans to survive, to such a hazardous area."